Regulator approval and programme scale
Greece’s electricity regulator approved DEDDIE’s new 2026–2030 distribution development programme. The decision clears the way for another large distribution investment cycle while rejecting some projects and reducing budgets for others. The regulator’s approval followed a proposal from the distribution operator for about €5.9 billion in expenditure. This would have represented a 35.2% increase versus the amount approved under the previous 2024–2028 programme.
Cost drivers and implementation concerns
A substantial part of the proposed increase was intended to address ageing infrastructure, including replacement and refurbishment of existing network assets. RAAEY said higher material prices, project modifications and delays had pushed costs higher. It also criticised repeated postponements, including delays affecting priority investments. RAAEY called for more credible implementation schedules.
Connection activity, network build needs and contractor prices
The pressure on network investment is reflected in connection costs, with DEDDIE spending €140.5 million on connecting electricity users in 2025. That compares with €101 million in 2023, despite completing approximately 3,000 fewer connections. The amount of new network required rose from 1,139 kilometres to 1,311 kilometres. Contractor prices increased by 42% between 2022 and 2025, making expansion more capital-intensive even where completed customer connections were lower.
Projects excluded and budget envelopes reduced
RAAEY did not accept the investment plan in full, with shore-power projects at Igoumenitsa, Rafina and Kyllini excluded. A low-voltage monitoring system was also left out, along with the proposed electrification project for Mount Athos. An artificial-intelligence and knowledge infrastructure programme was excluded as well. Several major spending envelopes were reduced after the regulator’s intervention.
Main reductions to customer connections and smart metering
Funding for customer connections was cut from €800 million to €760 million. Expenditure on network variants fell from €150 million to €115 million. The smart-meter programme budget was reduced from €1.6 billion to €1.46 billion. The regulator’s changes leave Greece with a large distribution investment requirement but a more constrained capital programme.
The remaining need for network investment continues to be shaped by rising construction costs, ageing assets and growing connection requirements. The focus now shifts toward execution discipline and DEDDIE’s ability to deliver the approved projects without repeating delays identified under earlier plans.
