Naval Base Blast: Energy Crisis Update

The Cyprus Energy Authority (CEA) said that demand for electricity is expected to rise to 1,100 megawatts for the rest of the summer, but after the blast damage to Vassiliko power station, the available supply is only 683 megawatts.

Critically damaged in the July 11th explosion on the neighboring naval base of Evangelos Florakis, Vassiliko power station will remain closed for some time, said the CEA in a statement.

Generators from Israel are supplying 10 megawatts, and generators from Greece are set to arrive by July 25th. The generators from Greece will supply 70 megawatts, while the Turkish-Cypriot electricity company is also supplying some power to the grid. The amount supplied by the Turkish-Cypriots may rise to 100 megawatts, said CEA.

This still leaves a considerable shortfall, and the CEA said it will keep consumers informed of its measures.

The energy authority asked consumers to reduce their electricity consumption wherever possible to help the effort to overcome the crisis.