Commercial launch of Cyclades link, now functional, delayed

Commercial barriers preventing suppliers from entering the Cyclades island electricity markets continue to exist despite the launch of an interconnection project a month and a half ago.

Though the interconnection is now fully operational on a technical level, the islands, except for Andros and Tinos, have yet to be commercially incorporated to the national grid.

Consequently, suppliers are still unable to purchase lower-cost electricity in the wholesale market or at NOME auctions in order to offer island consumers attractive alternative deals.

The Cyclades interconnection now offers mainland grid links to Syros and Paros while Antiparos, Naxos, Koufonisi, Schinoussa, Iralkia, Ios, Sikinos and Folegandros are all linked to the mainland system via Paros.

A ministerial decision, which has been delayed, needs to be signed so that the Cyclades may be officially incorporated into the national grid.

If the decision is not signed soon, reidents and businesses on the islands will not be able to benefit from lower-cost electricity supply offers during the summer, when electricity consumption levels increase due to hot weather and tourism, sources stressed.

Island electricity load estimates and RES output will be factored into the country’s daily energy program once the ministerial decision is signed.