Cyprus braces for power cuts as EAC unions go on strike

Four trade unions at the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) will stage a 24 hour strike Wednesday over their difference with the government’s decision to introduce a floating storage facility for the imminent supply of LNG at the Vassiliko power plant.

But the unions said that electricity supply is not expected to be interrupted.

A joint statement issued by the unions said that there will be no service to the public at regional EAC offices.

“Emergency personnel whose services are necessary to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity will not go on strike. Should the need arise, striking staff may be called in to assist and restore electricity supply,” the statement added.

It warns however that it may take longer than usual to repair any damage.

The strike was called following a disagreement with government plans to invite tenders for an offshore platform to supply the country with natural gas for a limited period of time until a permanent land-based unit is built.

The unions object to this saying it is too costly and would leave the EAC out of the tenders. EAC favours the construction of a land terminal that would ensure natural gas supply, something that is among government plans but which will take longer.