How to save energy in Cyprus is a common question among landlords and lessees as well as businesses in the face of the exploding energy costs worldwide.
Rising temperatures globally, hot summers and mild to cold winters in Cyprus, require extensive use of AC and heating on the island. With steeply rising energy costs around the world, this affects homeowners and renters directly.
Therefore, this article by the real estate specialists of Property Experts Cyprus reveals practical solutions and easy to implement tips for your home.
The Energy Situation in Cyprus
To begin with, energy for home use includes electricity, heating oil, natural gas, and renewable energy.
In recent times, geopolitical events like the Russian invasion of the Ukraine, have significantly driven energy prices around the world. Besides, the Cypriot weather requires extensive cooling in summers, and significant heating in winters, driving utility bills for homeowners and renters.
Electricity
To date, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) is the only supplier of electricity on the island. In Cyprus, electricity is largely generated from fossil fuels (90%), which is significantly above the world average of 62%. The Cypriot electricity monopoly together with vastly increasing fossil fuel prices (coal, oil, natural gas) in recent times cause steep electricity prices above EU average.
In the first half of 2022, electricity prices in Cyprus were among the highest in the EU with 0.2607€/KWh. The EU average was 0.2525€/KWh, with the highest cost in Denmark (0.4559€/KWh) and the lowest cost in the Netherlands (0.0595€/KWh).
Average Electricity Prices in EU Countries (2022)
With new companies like Bioland Energy Ltd emerging as competition, this is expected to regulate prices in the foreseeable future.
Heating Oil
Also referred to as fuel oil, heating oil (kerosene) is used in boilers and furnaces for heating homes and buildings. Among the largest suppliers in Cyprus is Coral.
Natural Gas
In 2021, Cyprus began to introduce natural gas to its energy system, following the signing of agreements by the Cypriot Natural Gas Public Company (DEFA) CYGAS. This is expected to play a significant role in the island’s economic development.
By 2027, Cyprus expects natural gas from its seas to become commercially available. Overall, 12 to 15 tcf (trillion cubic feet) of natural gas are expected to be potentially available for supply to the EU.
Renewable Energy
First of all, renewable resources naturally replenish themselves over time, like sunlight (solar), wind, and water. In 2022, renewable sources produced almost 15% of Cyprus’ electricity, mainly driven by solar panels.
Solar Energy
With an average 3,309 hours of sunshine per year, Cyprus has significantly more sun compared to the European average (2,335 hours of sun per year).
More than 31,000 households in Cyprus use photovoltaic systems. This equates to about 10% of the island’s 331,000 households. They have installed photovoltaic systems to source energy for their homes as well as net metering systems to feed excess electricity back into the grid to generate income and support the energy supply of other homes.
Investing in solar panels in Cyprus homes offers monetary benefits from lower electricity bills, kickback payments from metering, and attractive governmental incentives.
Wind Energy
Currently, there is only one on-shore wind power plant in Cyprus. Located in Larnaca, Alexigros Wind Farm consists of 21 units (82 turbines), which generate 80,000 MWh of electricity per year. This wind park is now owned by the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC).
Water Energy (Hydropower)
Cyprus is among the EU countries with the least available water per capita (630 cubic meters per person), driving vulnerability to climate change and water scarcity. Only Hungary and Malta have less internal freshwater resources per capita in the European union. Therefore, there is no hydropower plant in Cyprus to date.
Next, let’s take a look at how to save energy in Cyprus.
Homeowners & Landlords & Businesses: Save Energy and Costs
People who own a property in Cyprus – whether a holiday home/to let out or to live in themselves – typically have a greater interest in long-term energy efficiency solutions.
Eco home improvements to make a house greener and more energy efficient include:
- installing a photovoltaic system
- improve insulation, including windows and doors
- eco-efficient upgrades and renovations, e.g. plumbing
- if you are seeking to buy a property, consider purchasing a prefabricated house
Next, let’s take a look at easy everyday tips to lower energy consumption and therefore bills.
Renters & Owners Who Live in Their Property: 26 Tips to Save Energy and Costs
Are you wondering how to save energy for your utility bill? Lower energy consumption equals greater savings.
Here’s what renters and homeowners who live in their house or apartment can do today to cut down on energy costs:
General
- check the meter reading and billing on your electricity bill; if it doesn’t match up, contact EAC right away
- switch to a renewable electricity provider once available in Cyprus
- regularly maintain appliances, make repairs when necessary
Lights and plugs
- install LED light bulbs
- install/use a timer for on-demand appliances, e.g. security lights
- unplug small devices when not using them, e.g. phone chargers
- switch off unused devices instead of leaving them in standby mode, e.g. TV
- turn off lights when you leave a room
- make use of daylight whenever possible
Cooking and washing
- when cooking, use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time and required electricity
- preheat the oven only when necessary and for a short period of time
- when boiling water, cover the pot with a lid
- turn off the oven and hotplates just before the food is fully cooked (residual heat)
- keep the fridge and freezer away from places that are exposed to the sun and away from appliances that produce heat
- regularly defrost the freezer
- when you’re away for a longer period of time, unplug the refrigerator, empty it, and leave the door open
- wash clothes and dishes on lower temperatures and shorter cycles
- switch to energy efficient appliances, e.g. fridge, dishwasher (dispose of old appliances properly at recycling center)
- dry clothes on a clothesline instead of a dryer
Heating and cooling
- install/use a ceiling fan instead of AC for cooling in summer
- clean AC filters regularly
- on hot summer days, close the windows and shutters; open them in the evening to create a natural air current for cooling
- if you use AC, set it to 25 degrees Celsius in summer
- keep windows and doors closed when using AC
- switch off AC 30 minutes before leaving a room
- adjust clothing to weather
This brings us to the end of this article on how to save energy in Cyprus.
How to Save Energy in Cyprus – The Takeaway
Whether you already own a home in Cyprus, are renting a property, use an office space, or are planning to invest in real estate on the island (,,,,) – saving energy and thus cost has vastly gained relevance in recent times.
- properties to buy in Nicosia
- properties to buy in Larnaca
- properties to buy in Famagusta
- properties to buy in Limassol
- properties to buy in Paphos
From solar power and eco-efficient home upgrades to everyday tips to save energy and reduce your utility bill – the real estate specialists at Property Experts Cyprus have got you covered.
Call, email or message us today to discuss eco-efficient upgrades for your property and get advice on purchasing a new energy-efficient home.
Also take a look at our most recent articles on home insurance in Cyprus and the international influences on real estate on the island.
