Businesses in Epirus Face Delays of Up to 29 Months for APE Project Connections

A significant delay in connecting APE projects has been reported by businesses in Epirus, as highlighted by the Ioannina Chamber. Specifically, in a letter addressed to relevant ministries, the chamber noted that over 50 companies in Epirus are awaiting connection, facing severe financial problems as delays reach up to 29 months in some cases. Meanwhile, these companies must continue making payments to banks without any income. Consequently, they are urging authorities to adhere to connection schedules and implement emergency support measures. The detailed letter from the chamber states that more than fifty Epirus-based companies, part of the processing sector of the Ioannina Chamber and involved in electricity production through photovoltaic systems, have faced acute financial issues for many months. This is due to the non-compliance with contractual obligations by DEDDHE AE, as stipulated in signed connection agreements. According to these contracts, DEDDHE AE committed to constructing necessary connection projects within 18 months of signing. However, delays have exceeded 29 months in several instances, without completion or official updates regarding the reasons for the delays or timelines for resolution. Notably, the entire cost of project construction was prepaid by the companies upon signing the agreements. Despite repeated attempts at communication, producers have not secured meetings or official responses from DEDDHE AE, leaving them uncertain about their investment’s fate. The economic damage suffered by these companies is unbearable; they have completed station construction within legal deadlines but cannot channel produced energy into the grid due to DEDDHE AE’s non-contractual behavior. Most of these investments were funded via loans from credit institutions, compelling companies to service their debts from personal capital while their production units remain inactive. Monthly interest payments alone are exceptionally high, leading to a financial stranglehold on small and medium-sized enterprises. These companies invested in the green transition and energy democracy, showing trust in the country’s institutional and investment framework. The chamber requests immediate intervention from responsible Development, Environment, Energy, and Finance Ministries to resolve the issue and prevent the collapse of a significant portion of the local productive economy. They call for adherence to contractual and institutional obligations by DEDDHE AE, including urgent completion of connection projects and provision of specific, binding completion timelines. Additionally, they seek emergency economic measures such as loan obligation suspension until unit activation, interest subsidies, or emergency compensation for proven losses due to delays.