According to an emergency warning from the Cyprus Transmission System Operator (TSOC), the island’s power grid will be operating at its maximum capacity in the next two evenings.

The most critical situation is expected in the period from six to ten o’clock in the evening, when consumption traditionally reaches its maximum, and generation, on the contrary, decreases.

The reason for such a tense situation was the simultaneous shutdown of several generating units at the two largest power plants in the country — in Dhekelia and Vasiliko. Despite the fact that the staff of the Cyprus Electric Power Authority (EAC) made tremendous efforts to launch the additional unit at the station in Dhekelia as soon as possible, technical problems prevented this from happening. As a result, the available production capacity remains severely limited, and the risk that supply will not cover demand is assessed as extremely high.

Forecasters do not add optimism: the heat on the island will continue tomorrow. Only by Friday will the thermometer drop below the forty-degree mark, but in the meantime, the high air temperature creates an additional burden on air conditioners and cooling equipment, which inevitably leads to an increase in energy consumption. According to TSOC forecasts, tomorrow’s peak demand in the afternoon hours may reach 1,350 megawatts, and the evening load will be about 1,100 megawatts, while capacity availability will remain at today’s levels.

Due to the circumstances, the Transmission system Operator appeals to all residents and guests of Cyprus with an urgent request for the rational use of household appliances during dangerous evening hours. Experts recommend, if possible, rescheduling the use of energy-intensive appliances (washing machines and dishwashers, irons and vacuum cleaners) for the morning or night hours, as well as reducing the intensity of air conditioning systems.

TSOC assured that they will manage the situation based on the main priority — ensuring trouble-free and safe operation of the entire electrical network of Cyprus. The agency keeps its finger on the pulse and responds promptly to changes in the balance in the system, however, the success of preventing large-scale outages now largely depends on the consciousness of consumers themselves. Saving electricity in the coming evenings will help avoid collapse and ensure a stable supply of critical infrastructure.

Source: en.philenews.com

https://cyprusbutterfly.com.cy/news/kipre-nablyudaetsya-kriticheskaya-nexvatka-elektroenergii