Residents have long been accustomed to the fact that electricity bills sometimes exceed the monthly expenses of an average family of 3.
Especially during the August heat wave and in winter in January-February, during the rainy season. Water is usually much cheaper than electricity and the probability of over consumption is not as high. Every household tries to save these valuable resources as much as possible: they install thermal insulation, choose modern appliances of high energy efficiency, and use water carefully. In this case, the Cypriots' bills, although they cannot be called modest, cost according to expectations.
Faced with unexpectedly high utility bills in Cyprus, it is important to act thoughtfully and consistently. So, let's breathe out. Here are a few steps that will help to understand the situation and solve the problem. Don't panic!
Check your meter readings
First of all, make sure that your meter readings match the ones on your bill. In theory, errors can occur in both meter reading and data entry. If you do find a discrepancy, take a photo of your current meter reading to confirm you are correct.
Analyze your consumption
Compare your current bill with previous bills. Have there been any changes in your consumption? Perhaps you had guests over, or for some reason you used appliances more often than usual. Or maybe you installed some new powerful appliance? If there has been no change, it could indicate a fault or leak. And this is where you need the help of the right organization.
Contact your service provider
Contact your electricity or water provider. State your concerns and be prepared to provide them with all the necessary data. In some cases, they may send a technician to check the meter or even review your bill. When a similar situation happened to me in Larnaca, I had to visit the office of the head of the water company. And indeed the bills of several residents in the house were reviewed and halved. It turned out that the leak was in the basement of the building due to repair work.
Check for leaks
If your water bill is unexpectedly high, check for obvious leaks. Even a small dripping faucet or a broken toilet cistern can lead to significant costs over time. From time to time, you need to update pipes, their connections and other plumbing fixtures.
Legal advice
If discussions with your service provider do not resolve the problem, consider consulting a lawyer or contacting consumer protection. There are organizations in Cyprus that can offer assistance in these situations.
Document preparation
Keep all documents related to your case, including bills, meter readings, correspondence with the company and so on. This will serve as evidence in your favor. By the way, it is better in principle to save all checks of this kind, because they can help in other life situations. Especially if you rent housing or live on the island for less than a year.
Talk to your neighbors
Find out if your neighbors have experienced a similar problem. Working together can strengthen your bargaining position with service providers. For example, when a similar situation happened to me, it turned out that my neighbors' bill was even higher and they were extremely interested in resolving the problem. Interesting situation with 2-family houses with 2 floors: was the bill split between two households? Get to know each other better at the same time!
Study the rules and regulations
Familiarize yourself with local utility laws. Knowing your rights can help you deal with service providers and authorities.
An inflated utility bill can cause stress and anxiety, but it's important to stay calm and act decisively and in an organized manner. Having a clear understanding of the problem and knowing your rights will help you find a fair solution. Don't be afraid to demand clarification and protect your interests.
Read also:
- GESY: General Health Care System in Cyprus
- Financing options for household photovoltaic systems
- Art Square: A Unique Project in the Heart of Limassol
- Real Estate Market in Protaras: Overview of Prospects and Opportunities
- Pros and cons of living in Nicosia
- The Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Work of Designers and Architects in Cyprus
