The EAC warns of disconnections, fines, charges with investigation costs and possible other consequences, those who have illegally installed production units from Renewable Energy Sources or have proceeded with an unapproved increase in the installed capacity of existing systems.
The pan-Cypriot inspection campaign begins on June 1, 2026 and concerns both residential and other consumers, who either installed a photovoltaic system without the required application and approval or added panels to an already licensed installation, arbitrarily increasing its production capacity.
Although such cases have already been identified in the past, this time the process takes on a more coordinated character, with targeted use of available data and controls.
According to information from "F", these checks will not necessarily be carried out with a physical presence in each premises, as from network data, energy production and injection records, but also from additional data, such as satellite data, safe conclusions can be drawn about possible irregularities. Therefore, most inspections are expected to be targeted rather than random, with priority given to cases where indications show a discrepancy between the approved capacity and the actual production of a PV system.
Cuts will be reduced
The problem has been known for some time, however recently there has been an outbreak, with repercussions not only on legal consumers but also on the operation of the electricity system.
Illegal installations and arbitrary extensions have not been controlled by the DSO and, according to the EAC, pose risks to the safety of users and premises, to the reliability of the network, as well as to the smooth daily load curve.
Particular importance is also attached to production cuts. As experts explain to "F", when there are undeclared installations or additional photovoltaic panels in the network that have not been approved, the calculations for the actual production and the energy injected into the system are altered. This makes it difficult to accurately assess the needs of the network and can lead to more frequent or larger cuts, which are ultimately "paid" by law-abiding citizens. In fact, identifying and deactivating illegal or unauthorized extensions is estimated to help stabilize the system and manage cuts more fairly.
Experts explained to "F" that recording the real picture in the network is critical, as the cuts are decided based on production, demand and the limits set for the security of the network. When part of the power remains undeclared, the image of those responsible for cargo and production is incomplete, which burdens and alters decisions on cut-offs. This is also the reason why this campaign is not only seen as a measure to comply with the licenses issued, but also as a tool for better management of the system, since now the data that the network operators will have in front of them will be the real ones before making any decisions.
Who is considered to be breaking the law
Essentially, those who proceeded with the installation of a photovoltaic system without securing approval, as well as those who increased the power of a licensed installation without first submitting a relevant application, are considered to be illegal. Citizens who have taken such actions can disconnect or remove the extra panels and follow the procedure for their approval. Only after securing the required approval will they be able to reconnect and put them back into operation.
Otherwise, if a violation is detected, the certificate of suitability of the installation ceases to be valid and the authorities can proceed to immediately disconnect the entire system. At the same time, those citizens found to be breaking the law will be charged with the costs of the investigation, while the cases will be submitted to the Police, CERA and the Department of Electromechanical Services for further handling, with the possibility of imposing additional penalties.
