Despite warnings from the coalition government, the employees of the Public Power company (DEI), have realized their threat and shut down thirteen power plants just after midnight on Wednesday.

Due to the strike, power outages may be expected and as such, the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (DEDDIE) is expected to announce the rolling black out schedule. DEDDIE is urging people to reduce electricity consumption during peak hours (11:00-16:00 and 20:00-22:00) and to avoid using elevators. At the same time, main opposition Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) leader Alexis Tsipras said on Wednesday that he is launching an initiative for a referendum on the privatisation of Greece’s state Power provider, stressing that he intends to contact the leaders of other opposition parties in Parliament, including the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), Independent Greeks, Democratic Left (DIM.AR) and independent MPs, in order to collect 120 signatures backing the demand for a referendum, in accordance with article 44 of the Constitution.