Utilities

Telecoms

Cyprus Telecommunications Authority know as CYTA has a monopoly with the providing of domestic and business fixed line and mobile telecoms. The national network uses high technology such as digital switching and transmission systems and fibre optic cables and ranks 3rd in the world regarding quality and technology.

EU passport holders living in rented or purchased property can apply to CYTA for their fixed and mobile telephony.

If you rent property then you will have to show your rental agreement to CYTA and you will be asked to pay CY£100 refundable deposit for fixed line and CY£1000 for a mobile on a monthly billed contract. However the equivalent to Pay as You Go is “So Easy” for which there are obviously no deposits. If you own property in Cyprus then you will show your Sales Agreement to CYTA and there will be no deposits required.

Administrative charges including fixed line connection are included in your first bill, bills are payable monthly by cash, cheque or by Direct Debit.


Electricity

Electricity Authority of Cyprus known as EAC is an independent, non-profit making semi-government corporation, it generates electricity and distributes to domestic and business premises.

If you rent property then your landlord will arrange to have the electricity connected and the account put in your name. You will have a deposit of CY£75 to pay along with an administration fee of CY£3.30 (retain receipt for deposit as it is refundable if you move).

Your Electricity Bill is made up of a Fixed Charge plus cost of Units consumed, it also includes your TV licence fee.

Electricity Bills are payable every two months (bi monthly) by cash, cheque or Direct Debit.


Water

Water Development Department looks after the water needs of the Republic of Cyprus. Only recently has technology been available to construct desalination plants, the first one became operational in 1997. This has helped to resolve the island’s ever increasing demand for this limited resource.

Historically, water resources in Cyprus are scarce and expensive to exploit. Rainfall is variable and droughts occur frequently, recent years have seen rainfall generally well below average and the levels of water in many of the dams around the country have fallen considerably. Poor rainfall, combined with increased arable farming and tourism had in short left the available quantities of water for drinking and irrigation lower than adequate.

Your Water Rates will be billed by your local Municipality (local council). There is a fixed charge of CY£8 plus the charge for metered units used measured in cubic metres, at a charge of 15 cents per cu m. Your Water rates can be paid by cash, cheque or Direct Debit.


Gas

There is no piped town gas in Cyprus.

Bottled gas is available for cooking or heaters from all major supermarkets and many other corner shops.
A standard sized gas bottle (10 to 13 kg) costs CY£2.10 for a refill, and will last 30 to 40 days.

Be aware of the dangers of gas, when the bottle is low the pressure is insufficient to support the pilot light, yet gas will still come out. People have died from asphyxiation by falling asleep in a room with a gas heater.


Municipal Rates

You will receive a bill once a year from your local Municipality (local council) for your general rates, refuse collection and if you rent out your property rent tax. This bill will be about CY£50 per annum and can be paid by cash, cheque.