The Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry of Cyprus has announced important news for private homeowners. Applications for a new round of funding under the residential energy efficiency programme will open in September 2026. This time, €20 million has been allocated, offering homeowners an excellent opportunity to make their properties warmer, more efficient, and more modern.
The programme helps reduce electricity bills, improve indoor comfort, and lessen environmental impact. For thousands of families in Cyprus, it also represents meaningful support amid rising utility costs.
An Impressive Overall Budget: €85 Million in Total
The third phase of the “Energy Saving – Home Upgrading” programme forms part of the broader THALEIA initiative. According to Energy Minister George Papanastasiou, the total funding allocated to the programme will now reach €85 million.
The previous two rounds have already helped many households, and the new phase will give another opportunity to those who were unable to apply earlier or are only now planning to upgrade their homes.
One of the most attractive features for applicants is that the maximum grant per property can reach €32,000. The final amount depends on the scale and type of works, but even partial reimbursement can significantly reduce the financial burden on homeowners.
What the Grant Can Be Used For
The programme covers a broad range of improvements aimed at achieving measurable gains in energy efficiency. Eligible works include:
- Thermal insulation of walls, roofs, and floors;
- Replacement of old windows and doors with modern energy-efficient systems;
- Installation of shading systems;
- Replacement of outdated heating and cooling systems with more efficient models;
- Installation of solar water heaters and photovoltaic systems, with or without battery storage;
- Services provided by certified energy auditors to assist with planning and documentation.
The programme is intended exclusively for private individuals rather than companies. Eligible homes must have been built before January 1, 2008, and the electricity account with the Electricity Authority of Cyprus must be registered in the owner’s name. The property must also have been connected to the electricity grid before January 1, 2008, or have had a building permit application submitted before December 21, 2007.
Certain categories of applicants will receive enhanced support. Vulnerable households, residents of mountainous areas, and owners of homes designated for refugees will be eligible for an additional 20% on top of the standard grant amount.
Faster Payments: What Has Changed
The ministry has acknowledged that the previous funding round encountered difficulties. A surge in reimbursement requests last summer led to significant delays, with many applicants waiting a long time to receive their grants.
The payment mechanism has now been substantially revised. Applications will be processed using a risk-based approach, allowing simpler and lower-cost cases to be approved much more quickly. In some instances, grants may be paid without an on-site inspection. Low-risk applications include smaller grant amounts, projects managed by verified contractors, and works involving a limited scope.
In addition, the ministry has reached an agreement with the European Commission to introduce more flexible inspection procedures, which is expected to reduce administrative bottlenecks and speed up payments.
Why the Budget Was Reduced but the Programme Continues
The minister emphasized that the programme remains in place because of consistently strong demand. Homeowners continue to seek ways to improve their properties, reduce energy consumption, and lower household expenses.
Funding for the third round has been reduced from €30 million to €20 million, reflecting the substantial resources already allocated during the first two phases. Nevertheless, the programme remains an important part of the government’s social and environmental policy, helping families cut energy costs, improve living conditions, and contribute to Cyprus’s and the European Union’s climate goals.
Online applications will open in September. Exact dates and full application instructions will be published on the official website of the Ministry of Energy and on the portal of the Industry and Technology Service.
For those who need assistance, a dedicated hotline is available at 17107. Operators can help clarify eligibility requirements, confirm whether a property qualifies, and provide guidance on preparing the necessary documents to maximize the chances of receiving a grant quickly.