Chairman of the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (Cera) Andreas Poullikas has handed in his resignation, which reportedly has nothing to do with major energy issues still pending, the finalising of which he intends to oversee before leaving.

Daily Phileleftheros reported that Poullikas informed the president of the Republic of his intentions a while ago and also handed in his resignation in writing, ending nine years of service.

The resignation will come into effect on November 1.

Poullikas and two other Cera senior officers – deputy chairman Alkis Philippou and member Akis Hadjigeorgiou – are responsible for the finalisation of the regulatory framework for the connection of Cyprus and Crete through the Interconnector, with announcements placed towards the end of the third week of August, according to Phileleftheros.

Although Cera has been under a lot of pressure as of late to take the final decisions on the connection, Poullikas’ decision to resign was not spurred by the stress or any disagreement.

Phileleftheros said this was why Poullikas would stay on till the end of October, to help tie up loose ends.

Indeed, on the inside there appears to be consensus on the handling of the issue.

Poullikas’ resignation is reported to have been handed in before the crisis emerged.

The daily said Poullikas – with his long list of qualifications – has been offered academic seats in Cyprus and abroad, options he is looking into.