Two EAC accounts at once. No need to pay the entire amount at once.

Some Cypriot residents received two electricity bills simultaneously, covering up to four months of consumption. The Electricity Authority of Cyprus explains that this was due to a delay in connecting new smart meters to the central system.

Those currently facing a high, cumulative bill can apply to EAC for instalment plans. The company also assures that it will not disconnect power to properties whose bills were not received on time due to a technical issue.

Two bills, but not double payment

This isn't about being billed twice for the same period. Some customers received two consecutive bills because the first one wasn't issued or delivered within the standard deadline.

Together, these two documents can cover approximately four months of actual energy consumption. This is why the final amount may be significantly higher than usual.

EAC spokeswoman Christina Papadopoulou said the consumption readings were recorded correctly. The issue was related to the data flow between the new smart meters and the utility's central system, not the way kilowatt-hours consumed were calculated.

The problem affected approximately 1.8% of accounts.

According to data provided by EAC, the difficulties affected approximately 1.8% of accounts. The company issues approximately 650,000 documents every two-month cycle.

After calculating this, this translates to approximately 11,700 accounts affected by delays in a single billing cycle. However, not every recipient necessarily received two bills on the same day. The extent and timing of the delays could vary.

Those who suddenly receive two invoices should first compare the billing periods indicated on them. If they refer to consecutive periods, this is most likely the situation described by EAC.

However, if both documents show the same period, the same readings or other repeated items, the matter should be clarified individually with the company.

You can ask EAC to spread the payment

EAC assures that customers affected by late payments do not have to pay the entire accumulated amount at once. They can contact customer service and request a repayment schedule.

This solution is intended for individuals who have received multiple payments simultaneously due to a system issue. Repayment terms will be negotiated individually.

For billing related matters, you can contact the EAC service center at 1818 or send a message to the address callcenter@eac.com.cy.

This is not an equal monthly payment program.

The individual distribution of the accumulated debt should not be confused with the equal monthly payment program offered by EAC.

In the latter case, the monthly fee is determined based on the household's previous consumption and the current energy price. This solution allows for more even distribution of costs throughout the year.

However, EAC advises that enrollment in the ongoing monthly payment program requires payment of the most recent invoice. Therefore, those who have received cumulative invoices should first inquire about a personalized solution for their current debt.

Fuel prices may impact future bills

The EAC also warned that the increase in fuel prices on international markets may have a delayed impact on the cost of electricity in Cyprus.

The effect isn't immediate, as the company maintains fuel reserves sufficient for about two months. However, further increases in raw material prices may be visible in subsequent settlements.

The reduced 5% VAT rate on electricity remains in effect. State support for bills of vulnerable customers has also been maintained.

The most important information for those who received two EAC bills at the same time is that they don't have to pay the entire accumulated debt at once. It's worth comparing billing periods, and if a single payment is too much, contact EAC and request a customized repayment schedule.

Sources: Politis, Electricity Authority of Cyprus