Tinos files lawsuit against electricity firm DEDDIE over summer blackouts

The Municipality of Tinos has filed a lawsuit against Greece’s electricity operator, DEDDIE, over repeated power outages plunging villages into darkness during peak tourist season. 

Mayor Panagiotis Krontiras filed the Thursday complaint seeking damages for property destruction through negligence. 

“The problem with power outages on the island always existed, but never to this extent,” Krontiras told Kathimerini. 

He attributes the crisis to poor maintenance after permanent DEDDIE staff retired, leaving no personnel for repairs or routine upkeep. Annual summer maintenance was skipped this year. 

The outages are damaging local businesses. Malvina Balaska, owner of the Triantaraki cafe, described losing customers during blackouts. 

“People paying 300 euros per day for accommodation find themselves without power and water for hours,” she said. 

Power failures trigger water shortages since Tinos relies on desalination plants requiring electricity. Municipal records show up to 100 daily power interruptions. 

DEDDIE acknowledged “particular conditions” affecting the island, citing climate change effects including high humidity and salt concentration on networks causing protective systems to activate frequently. 

The company announced plans to reinforce repair crews on the island.