The intervention of the CEO of HEDNO, Mr. Anastasios Manos, to address the serious dysfunctions of HEDNO in the Heraklion Regional Unit is requested by letter from the President of the Heraklion Chamber, Mr. Vangelis Karkanakis.
As he points out, the Heraklion Chamber receives daily complaints and grievances from professionals and entrepreneurs, including unjustified delays in increases, new connections or technical interventions with serious implications for the completion of investment projects, and repeated errors in reviews and re-inspections, which are vital for the operation of businesses.
In detail, Mr. Karkanakis states in his letter:
“Dear Mr. CEO,
The Heraklion Chamber of Commerce, as the institutional representative of the business community and professionals of the prefecture, receives daily complaints and grievances from businesses, individuals and technical professionals regarding the operation of HEDNO services in Heraklion. Recently, the Heraklion Prefecture Electrical Installers Association sent the Chamber a detailed list of problems, which are confirmed by many more cases that we have received recently. These issues are not isolated incidents, but chronic and serious malfunctions that directly affect economic activity, the implementation of investments and the smooth service of citizens.
In summary, the problems that have been recorded are the following:
1. Non-response to communication requests: There are multiple reports of requests from professionals and citizens that remain unanswered for weeks. The inability to communicate with HEDNO services creates dead ends in urgent technical issues, delays in connections, but also serious administrative insecurity.
2. Repeated errors in surveys – lack of coordination: Continuous incorrect surveys have been observed, even after submitting requests for re-inspection with a clear order to contact the owner or the electrical installer. Despite clear comments on the relevant requests, the employees do not communicate, resulting in the same errors being repeated and requiring new requests, time and cost.
3. Unjustified delays and shortage of materials in Heraklion: Projects involving extensions, new connections or technical interventions are being excessively delayed, causing direct impacts on business projects, technical installations and construction works.
At the same time, a shortage of critical materials is being recorded, without official information on the reason, the restoration time frame or the actions that have been initiated.
4. Delays by HEDNO regarding the network projects required for the electricity of PV stations: particular concern is also recorded regarding the issue of PV stations up to 400 kW in Crete, an issue that has remained pending since 2021. Despite the lifting of the “freeze” of the procedures in 2024, not all Final Connection Offers have yet been completed, while delays are also observed in the required network projects. Given that from 01/01/2026, stations above 200 kW will be subject to the balancing responsibility regime, we consider it reasonable to examine the possibility of exempting these projects for Crete or providing an extension, in order to complete the connections on time and avoid additional burdens for investors.
For the above reasons, the Chamber immediately requests:
1. Official and immediate response to pending communication requests submitted by businesses and professionals.
2. Investigation of errors in the surveys and establishment of mandatory communication between the competent officials and the owner or installer before each new survey.
3. Official information on:
– the causes of the significant delays in Heraklion,
– the extent of the shortage of materials,
– the restoration measures and timetable.
4. Specific action plan to improve service to businesses and citizens in the Heraklion Regional Unit.
5. Taking into account the institutional delays, the inability of HEDNO to complete the connections on time and the significant inconvenience to producers since 2021, we request that PV parks up to 400 kW in Crete be either exempted from the balancing regime or that a reasonable extension be given to HEDNO to electrify the projects.
The situation that has developed causes significant difficulties in the smooth operation of businesses and delays in projects and investments. As a Chamber, we believe that such a critical body as HEDNO must operate consistently and provide adequate service to citizens and businesses.
We hope for an immediate response from the competent services and an official update on the above issues.
