In Cyprus, half of the planned number of “smart” electricity meters has been installed. This was reported by the assistant to the transmission system network operator, Marios Papoutis, speaking at the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) summit in Abu Dhabi. According to him, the project has finally entered an active phase after years of delays and organizational difficulties.
The installation of smart meters became possible thanks to a contract signed in 2024 between the Electricity Authority of Cyprus and the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority, Cyta. The document provides not only for the installation of the equipment, but also for its subsequent operation across the entire island.
Scale of the project and its cost
Under the terms of the contract, by the end of June next year, 400 thousand smart electricity meters must be installed in Cyprus. The average cost of one device is about 125 euros. Despite the fact that the project was repeatedly postponed in previous years, the government was forced to continue its implementation, since the introduction of intelligent metering systems is a mandatory condition of the European Commission for access to funds from the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
By the end of 2024, the country needed to install at least 50 thousand meters in order not to lose up to 35 million euros in European grants. This factor became the key incentive for accelerating all procedures.
Tender, court, and parliamentary intervention
The latest tender for implementing the project was announced at the beginning of 2024. Three companies participated: Logicom, NewCytech Business Solutions, and Cyta. Cyta's bid, at 50 million euros, was the most expensive, while Logicom valued the project at 33,7 million euros and NewCytech Business Solutions at 37,6 million euros. Despite the price, the Electricity Authority considered Cyta's offer the most suitable from a technical and organizational point of view.
However, later the Administrative Court ruled that Cyta had no right to carry out this contract, since such services formally did not fall within its scope of activity. This decision jeopardized the receipt of European funding and effectively froze the project.
The situation changed in May 2024, when the Parliament of Cyprus promptly adopted amendments to the Telecommunications Law. The changes allowed Cyta to participate in projects related to the use of its infrastructure, technical resources, and expertise if such projects are recognized as beneficial for the organization and the state.
What “smart” meters provide today
In 2026, smart electricity meters are seen not only as a metering tool, but also as a foundation for developing “smart” grids, integrating renewable energy sources, and reducing losses in the system. They allow consumers to monitor their energy consumption in real time, and the state to manage loads more effectively and plan energy policy.
The authorities emphasize that completing the project will be an important step toward the digital transformation of Cyprus's energy sector and will strengthen the country's position in meeting climate and technological commitments to the European Union.