The issue of smart meter installations was discussed by the Energy Committee of Parliament, which examined the matter following complaints about damage to homes.
The Chairman of the Committee, Kyriakos Hadjiyiannis, stated that the implementation of smart meters has caused faults and damage in residences.
“We received many complaints,” he noted. He mentioned that one household suffered damage exceeding €20,000. He added that the entire damage is not covered, but compensation is provided according to the value of the household appliance.
It was also mentioned that the installations are being carried out by individuals who lack even basic training. Parliament has requested the names of all those involved in installing smart meters in homes.
“EAC must admit to flawed practice”
The President of the Electricians’ Association, Giorgos Kyriakou, stated, “I am thinking of the public’s interest. The EAC must admit that the personnel and approach it chose were flawed.”
He added that these individuals should be professors of electrical energy, not merely holders of a certificate. He emphasised that the issue with three-phase connections is very serious and that the process should have been different. “We electricians are also to blame,” he admitted.
How citizens’ appliances will be replaced
For its part, the EAC stated that it came to Parliament to resolve the issues. “We are close to the public. The work is carried out with every detail in mind to avoid incidents,” said an EAC spokesperson.
They stressed that the EAC follows a different compensation policy: as soon as a problem arises with an appliance, the citizen is recorded, goes to the vendor for a replacement at the same price, and the invoice is sent to the EAC. “That way, citizens won’t be left without appliances.”
“Automatic switches are faulty and outdated”
The project coordinator stated that there is a protocol followed by staff, which includes step-by-step installation of the meter.
He added that there is a written safety and risk assessment study and that staff have been informed at all EAC centres. He emphasised that for safety, the work area is isolated.
The main cause of the problem was identified as faulty, outdated, and poor-quality automatic switches in customers’ homes. “The switch contacts may not close properly. The meter itself is completely safe. The problem lies with the customers’ automatic switches.”
He continued by saying they were unaware of how many problematic switches exist. “The problem emerged within a project of 400,000 meters. That’s the target by January 2027. We are visiting 15,000 premises per month.”
“The automatic switches are worse than Takata airbags”
The project manager explained that citizens may not be aware that their automatic switch is faulty. “If an issue is detected, we adopt increased protection measures for staff with gloves and insulating tools.”
He noted that there was an initial protocol, which was amended after the first incidents.
In his intervention, Averof Neophytou suggested that a law should be established allowing Parliament to intervene on problematic automatic switches. “Every problem is also an opportunity. We can solve it.” He also emphasised that along with the installation of smart meters, the EAC can resolve the issue with the switches. “By 2027, the EAC in collaboration with electricians can solve it for the public’s benefit.”
In conclusion, the project manager asserted, “The automatic switches are worse than the Takata ones.”
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