**Title: Power Cuts in Cyprus Linked to Fault in the North**
On Saturday morning, various areas across Cyprus experienced power cuts due to a fault in the northern part of the island, as reported by the transmission system operator. The incident occurred at approximately 5:51 AM, leading to disruptions for several consumers who were temporarily cut off from the electricity grid. Fortunately, power was restored by 6:09 AM.
Ahmet Tugcu, the leader of the Turkish Cypriot electricity workers’ trade union El-Sen, confirmed the cause of the power cuts in a social media post. He noted that the issue was indicative of broader problems within the electrical infrastructure, stating, “the world has switched to silicone insulators, but we are still papering over the cracks.” Insulators are essential components that block the flow of electric current, ensuring that power remains safely contained within wires. When insulators fail, they can lead to short circuits or ground faults, which trigger protective relays to trip circuit breakers, resulting in power outages.
Tugcu elaborated on the current state of insulators used in the north, mentioning that they predominantly employ glass insulators. He highlighted the drawbacks of this approach, pointing out that glass insulators are not only costly but also labor-intensive to replace, given their heavy material composition. In contrast, Tugcu advocated for the adoption of silicone insulators, which he described as easier to clean, more affordable, and quicker to replace.
The power cuts on Saturday followed a separate incident the previous day, where a “lack of communication” between solar farms and the electricity distribution coordination center led to further outages. Incorrect readings from the solar farms caused them to be removed from the automatic supply system, prompting the electricity authority to initially procure 30 megawatts of electricity from the Turkish Cypriot authorities. However, this issue eventually spread to the north, compounding the challenges faced by the electrical grid.
Tugcu had previously informed the Cyprus Mail that the problems in the north stemmed from the absence of a “base load power plant.” A base load power plant is crucial for providing a continuous supply of electricity to meet the minimum demands of an electrical grid. With the existing demand placed on the two operational power stations—Teknecik, located near Kyrenia and managed by the Turkish Cypriot electricity authority Kib-Tek, and Kalecik, near Trikomo and operated by Turkish energy company Aksa—Tugcu indicated that the aging machinery, some of which is over 25 years old, was unable to cope with the increased load, leading to further complications.
This series of power outages underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the electricity infrastructure in both the north and south of Cyprus. As discussions regarding improvements and upgrades to the electrical systems continue, the need for modernization—such as the transition to more efficient insulator technology—remains a pressing concern for both consumers and industry professionals alike.
In summary, Saturday's power cuts, attributed to a fault in the north, highlight the vulnerabilities in Cyprus's electrical grid and the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to ensure a reliable power supply for all residents.