In a bid to encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources (RES), the director of the Energy Service, Charalambos Rousos, presented the “Photovoltaics for All” plan to members of the Parliamentary Committee on Commerce.
The revamped Grant Scheme, aimed at promoting RES use and energy conservation in households, now encompasses three distinct categories.
The first two plans retain their status quo, while the third, titled “Photovoltaics for All,” takes centre stage. Under the first plan, focusing on photovoltaics, a generous grant of €375 per kW, capped at €1,500 (for 4kW installations), is proposed. This plan also includes a notable 50% increase for installations in mountainous regions.
The second plan addresses vulnerable households, offering a substantial grant of €1,250 per kW, with a maximum grant ceiling of €6,250 (applicable to 5kW installations).
The third plan, “Photovoltaics for All,” introduces a grant of €250 per kW, reaching a maximum of €1,000 (for 4kW installations). Additionally, a reimbursement of €1,000 per kW is provided, with a maximum “repayment amount” of €4,000 (for 4kW installations).
Both the grant and the “repayment amount” are disbursed to participating suppliers. The RES Fund steps in to cover the remaining investment cost, up to €1,000 per kW. Subsequently, the applicant refunds the “repayment amount” to the RES Fund, with monthly charges of €150, facilitated through the electricity supplier, such as DEI, reflecting on the electricity bill.
Eligible beneficiaries are households installing photovoltaic systems up to 4.16 kW, with a total annual consumption not exceeding 6,000 kWh in the previous year.
Rousos noted that the objective is to simplify the application process, adding that participants are now obliged to inform the RES Fund once their investment is completed. Interested consumers only need to submit the necessary application for pre-approval, presenting a copy of their ID, an electricity bill, and either the property title or building permit when the platform becomes available.
Rousos highlighted that the new plan aims to expedite the processing time, a stark contrast to the current five-month timeline for applications.
The Ministry of Finance stressed that access to the plan should be prioritised for those in financial need.
From the standpoint of the electricity supplier (EAC), non-payment by participants would result in the cessation of electricity production and increased electricity rates.
The Ministry of Commerce assured that provisions for discontinuation are incorporated into the plan. Furthermore, contracts signed under the plan are subject to legal scrutiny by the Legal Office.
Yiannis Mousas, the Maronite representative in Parliament, urged the government to ensure that the plan extends its benefits to those trapped in Karpasia and Maronite villages.
A spokesperson for Rizokarpaso enclaved residents welcomed the plans while raising questions about their implementation for trapped individuals, specifically regarding electricity supply and production.
Finally, the grant scheme for promoting RES adoption includes two grant categories for roof insulation. The first category offers a 50% grant, capped at €2,500, while an additional 50% is considered for installations in mountainous areas. The second category proposes an increased grant of 75% for vulnerable households.