The energy ministry appears willing to accept an alternative electricity supply plan for Greece’s non-interconnected islands covering up until the end of the decade and just presented by power utility PPC, based on the results of a study indicating that overall savings, also benefiting consumers, would reach an estimated 200 million euros until 2030.

The alternative plan would combine existing power stations and additional generators, wind turbines and batteries on all islands not yet connected to the grid, while old power stations encountering technical faults will be withdrawn rather than repaired.

This alternative supply plan’s cost is estimated at 400 million euros until 2030, compared to a 600 million-euro cost anticipated if the current system of old power stations plus generators, leased by PPC for extra generation every summer, continues to be relied on until every single Greek island has been interconnected.

A total of 41 old power stations operating on islands should have been closed down long ago for safety reasons. Despite their continued usage, the Greek islands need additional 80 percent capacity boosts each summer to cover heightened, tourism-related electricity demand.

Higher-cost electricity generated on the islands is subsidized through public service compensation (YKO) surcharges on all electricity bills. This would be lowered if the alternative plan is adopted.