Setting Up Electricity and Water in Cyprus (2026 Guide)

Getting electricity and water into your own name is one of the first jobs after you move into a home in Cyprus. Electricity is handled island-wide by EAC; water is handled locally, so the process depends on your district.

Who needs to set up utilities?

Anyone moving into a rented or purchased home where bills should be in their name. Some landlords keep accounts in their own name and recharge you; if so, agree this in writing in your rental contract and ask to see the actual bills. Our guide to renting in Cyprus covers what to include.

How do you set up electricity with EAC?

When you take over a property, you sign a new Electricity Supply Agreement with EAC. The previous customer's agreement ends and they receive a final bill.

Documents you need

If the previous customer was the owner, any amount they owe must be settled before the transfer.

Step by step

1. Read the meter on moving day and take a dated photo.
2. Apply online by creating an account on the EAC portal, registering for supply services and submitting a transfer request, or visit an EAC customer service centre with your documents.
3. Sign the agreement. Applications made by email or online may be sent to you for signature.
4. Pay the deposit. Tenants pay before the service is transferred; owners are charged on their first bill.
5. Set up payment. Bills are usually issued every two months; consider direct debit or online payment so you do not miss a due date.

The transfer charge is €15 plus VAT (as of 2026).

How much is the deposit?

As of 2026, EAC's published deposit table for domestic premises lists:

Deposits are normally returned against your final bill when you close the account. Keep your receipt.

How do you set up water?

Since the local government reform of 1 July 2024, water supply in many areas is run by district local government organisations (EOAs) or water boards. Requirements vary, so check with your provider before you go.

• Limassol (EOA Lemesos): online applications for owners and tenants, with your rental contract, ID and a meter photo taken on the day.
• Nicosia (Water Board of Nicosia): transfers are only made to the owner or tenant. Tenants attend with the landlord, or bring the landlord's signed consent form, a rental contract, ID copies for both and a tenant deposit.
• Larnaca: the Larnaca Water Board handles supply in its area.
• Paphos and Famagusta: contact your district EOA's customer service; some offer online meter transfer forms.

Expect to show ID and proof of your right to the property, and possibly a meter photo, the owner's consent, a deposit, or payment of any outstanding balance. Sewerage and refuse charges may be billed separately, by the sewerage board or your municipality.

What do bills look like?

• Electricity: EAC domestic customers are on tariff codes such as the standard single-rate tariff or a two-rate day/night tariff. The reduced 9% VAT rate on household electricity has been extended to the end of March 2027.
• Water: billing periods and tiered rates are set locally. Higher consumption bands cost more per cubic metre, so leaks quickly become expensive.

What are the common problems?

• The landlord or previous tenant is unreachable. For EAC, you can sign a solemn declaration. For water, you usually need the owner's consent, so get it before you move in.
• Arrears on the account. Insist the previous occupant's bills are settled, and note meter readings on your move-in inventory.
• Summer pressures. Heatwaves can strain the grid and drought can lead to water restrictions. See our guide to summer in Cyprus.
• Proof of address. Your first utility bill is often needed for school enrolment, banks and other registrations, so set up accounts early.

What to do next

Once your utilities are running, arrange home internet and a mobile plan, then work through the rest of our first 90 days admin checklist. Our essential checklist for moving to Cyprus and expat toolkit have more practical resources.