HEDNO development plan for 2026-2030 approved by RAAEY

The Regulatory Authority for Energy, Renewables and Water Saving (RAAEY) has approved the new five-year development plan for HEDNO (DEDDIE) for the 2026-2030 period. The plan aims to strengthen the electricity distribution network.

HEDNO initially proposed total investments of 5.9 billion euros, a significant increase from the 4.36 billion euros planned for 2024-2028. The operator attributed this rise to higher equipment costs and increased contracting expenses, noting that inflation has driven contracting costs up by 42% and basic material costs by 13%.

While RAAEY acknowledged these inflationary factors, it noted that rising costs are also due to delays in project implementation. Consequently, the Authority rejected seven proposed projects and adjusted the budgets for nine others. Specific reductions include user connection projects, which were lowered from 800 million to 760 million euros, and telemetry expansion, which was adjusted from 1.604 billion to 1.461 billion euros.

Additionally, RAAEY has requested that HEDNO accelerate joint efforts with ADMIE regarding the electrical interconnection of the Dodecanese and the North Aegean. For all projects exceeding 50 million euros, the Authority requires cost-benefit studies to be completed within the next six months.