Amidst newly released Eurostat data revealing that Cyprus ranked second-highest in electricity prices relative to purchasing power in the EU during the second half of 2024, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering at the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), Avraam Georgiou, appeared on Sigma TV’s “Mesimeri kai Kati” to offer practical energy-saving advice for households and businesses.
For homes not equipped with photovoltaic systems, Dr Georgiou stated that a reasonable electricity bill at present should not exceed €80 to €100 per two-month billing period. He identified three primary sources of energy waste in households, using vivid metaphors to describe them as the “Trojan horse”, the “phantom”, and the “leech”. Tackling these, he claimed, could reduce energy consumption by 50% to 60%, with the combined cost of the “phantom” and the “leech” alone estimated at €80 per billing period.
1. The “Phantom” – Devices left plugged in
The “phantom” refers to appliances and chargers that remain plugged in even when not in use. A common example is a mobile phone charger left in the socket after use. Professor Georgiou highlighted the often-overlooked energy drain and even fire hazards posed by this habit. He advised unplugging devices completely and avoiding unsafe use of plug adapters, particularly converting two-pin to three-pin sockets, as they may not handle the power load safely.
2. The “Leech” – Old sockets still drawing power
Even after switching off an appliance, Georgiou recommends removing the plug entirely from the socket, especially in homes with older electrical installations—common in Cyprus, where many systems are over 30 years old. Ageing or degraded sockets may continue to draw small amounts of electricity, increasing consumption unnecessarily. The best practice includes turning off the appliance, switching off the socket (if applicable), and physically unplugging it.
3. The “Trojan Horse” – Misused smart appliances
Smart appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators—referred to as the “Trojan horse”—can be stealthy energy drains if not used correctly. With summer approaching, Georgiou emphasised the importance of regular maintenance and cleaning, particularly of air conditioners. He advised avoiding multi-socket extensions for high-load devices and recommended direct wall socket connections, ideally installed by a qualified electrician.
To improve cooling efficiency, he recommended setting air conditioners no lower than 25°C, especially given Cyprus’s typically poor home insulation. Adjusting air vents upward also helps circulate cool air more effectively, as hot air naturally rises.
Smart Meters – Monitoring for savings
Professor Georgiou also advocated for the rollout of smart electricity meters, noting their success in other European countries. These devices allow real-time consumption monitoring and, once the market is fully liberalised, will enable consumers to choose cheaper electricity providers. Their timely introduction could significantly aid energy conservation efforts.
Photovoltaics – Use with care
On solar power systems, he warned against the “photovoltaic syndrome”, where users mistakenly believe that unlimited energy allows for careless usage. This attitude, he explained, often leads to higher bills despite solar generation. Instead, he advised using high-consumption devices during daylight hours—when the panels are actively producing energy.
Regarding battery storage, he described it as a necessary solution to issues like power cuts and stressed the need for regulatory action to enable widespread adoption. In the event of energy shortages, he clarified that priority disconnections typically affect large solar parks before residential users.
Also read: Energy Ministry chooses storage units to prevent solar power cuts
Source: Economy Today
