Organisational Milestones
Establishment of the Transmission System Operator
The establishment of the Transmission System Operator (TSO) was a result of the decision of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to harmonise with the Directive of the European Parliament concerning the common rules for the internal electricity market in the European Union in order to liberalise the Electricity Market in Cyprus. On 25 July 2003, the House of Representatives passed the relevant legislation known as the “Law Regulating the Electricity Market of 2003”.
Appointment of the First TSO Director
On the 14th April 2004, the Council of Ministers of the Republic appointed Mr. Andreas Theophanous as the TSO Director for a period of six years, starting on 28 April 2004. On 13 September 2004, Mr. Theophanous, during the Official Ceremony at the Presidential Palace, in his Inaugural Speech in the presence of President Tassos Papadopoulos, the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Mr. Yiorgos Lillikas and other government officials assured the President of the Republic that he will faithfully execute his duties.
Licence for the Operation of the Transmission System by the TSO
On 19 May 2004, the TSO submitted to CERA an application for obtaining a Transmission System Operation License in order to undertake all its responsibilities and duties as required by the Law. The License was granted by CERA on 10 September 2004 and provides that the TSO shall undertake the duties depicted by the Law.
Member of the Organisation of the European Union Independent Transmission System Operators of Electrical Energy (European Transmission System Operators (ETSO))
On 12 September 2005 the application of the Cyprus TSO for full ETSO membership was examined by the ETSO Steering Committee. The application was approved by the Steering Committee and was proposed to the ETSO General Assembly for final approval. The Cyprus TSO became a full ETSO member on 5 October 2005.