**Rolling Blackouts Hit Cyprus as Demand Surges Past Power Capacity**
**Nicosia, Cyprus** – The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) has initiated rolling blackouts across the island, beginning Wednesday evening, as soaring summer temperatures have led to unprecedented electricity demand. The Cyprus Transmission System Operator (TSO) confirmed that short-term power cuts, lasting up to 30 minutes, commenced at 18:52 in an effort to prevent a total collapse of the electrical grid.
The decision to implement these rolling blackouts comes after peak electricity demand reached a record high of 1,341 megawatts at 14:30 on the same day. This surge was primarily driven by widespread use of air conditioning during an ongoing heatwave. The energy mix during peak hours included 740 megawatts generated from solar power, 568 megawatts from conventional power plants, and 33 megawatts from wind energy. However, as the sun set, solar generation diminished, leading to a significant strain on the grid.
By the evening, total available conventional generation capacity had dropped to 1,068 megawatts, prompting the EAC to resort to emergency load shedding measures. The TSO has indicated that the power supply remains critically tight, particularly during peak evening hours, and further power cuts may occur if extreme temperatures persist and demand continues to reach record levels.
The rolling blackouts have particularly affected areas like Aradippou, which has been without electricity since early morning. Authorities are applying power cuts in a sequential manner across designated customer groups in an attempt to manage the situation effectively.
In light of these challenges, the government of Cyprus is also taking steps to enhance energy sustainability. Recently, it approved grants of up to €900 for households to install solar water systems, aiming to reduce reliance on conventional energy sources and improve overall energy efficiency.
As the situation develops, TSO officials are closely monitoring the power grid's status and are urging residents to conserve energy where possible. The current crisis highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Cyprus in balancing energy supply and demand, particularly during peak summer months when electricity usage typically surges.
With the potential for continued rolling blackouts, residents are advised to stay informed about the situation and prepare for possible disruptions in their power supply over the coming days.