The tariff for storage heaters has changed following the implementation of a Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA) decision ending the subsidy previously provided by the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC).
According to EAC spokesperson Christina Papadopoulou, the change has been in force since 1 May 2026 and means consumers now pay the standard electricity tariff applicable to their property for power consumed by storage heaters.
Until 2017, storage heater tariffs were subsidised, with the EAC covering a significant portion of the cost.
Consumers now pay full electricity cost
When new electricity tariffs were introduced in 2017, the principle was established that consumers should pay the actual cost of the electricity they consume, without cross-subsidisation between tariff categories.
At the time, it was estimated that the storage heater tariff could increase by around 49%.
Papadopoulou said the EAC chose to absorb the difference for several years, giving consumers time to consider alternative heating solutions and allowing for the eventual opening of Cyprus's competitive electricity market, which officially began on 1 October 2025.
"The EAC subsidy continued until recently, but the authority can no longer subsidise this tariff," she said.
She added that the EAC had repeatedly encouraged consumers to explore other heating options.
Solar owners can offset costs
Under a separate CERA decision, consumers who own both storage heaters and photovoltaic systems can now request that the electricity consumed by storage heaters be offset against solar energy production.
Affected consumers may apply through the relevant form to take advantage of the energy-netting arrangement.
According to Papadopoulou, customers affected by the tariff change have recently been informed by the EAC.
She also noted that the authority absorbed the cost difference from 2017 until recently, describing the total amount borne by the EAC as significant.
Source: CNA
