Energy plans dominate Broadcasting Authority debate

Unsurprisingly the first political debate on national television of the 2013 electoral campaign turned out to be a dire affair, with Labour's plan to reduce electricity tariffs taking centre-stage.

In the absence of TVM journalist Reno Bugeja, the debate was chaired, or rather time-kept by Broadcasting Authority official Joanna Spiteri.

Bugeja, a veteran journalist appreciated for his impartiality, was not allowed to chair the debate by the editorial board of the Public Broadcasting Services who refused to allow journalists that they cannot be in roles where they cannot ask questions.

The debate discussed the two main parties' electoral proposals, however since the parties have so far desisted from publishing their programmes, apart from Labour's energy proposal, the two representatives, outgoing finance minister Tonio Fenech and Labour candidate Chris Cardona fought it out on the credibility of Labour's energy plan.

Fenech hit out at Labour's proposal to reduce electricity by 25% by next year, challenging Cardona to publish detailed documents Labour has on its plan. "I challenge you to publish all documents in your possession which will show that your reports were not written by the consultants Labour engaged but were written by the party. This nothing but another of Labour's fairytales."

He accused Labour candidate and energy expert Konrad Mizzi of coming up with an alleged reduced price for energy produced of 9c6 per unit himself, without any the support of Labour consultants DMV KEMA, and that Labour was only offered a "desktop review" that was low on hard data.

In reply to Cardona's accusation that the PN had not announced any proposals because "it does not have any at all", Fenech said the PN's policies are based on the government's track record in last five years, in which it saved jobs, created 20,000 new jobs in various sectors and guaranteed "jobs with better wages and dignity."

"Our record over the last five years characterised by sound economic policies despite the international crisis is the basis of a safe and secure future," Fenech said, echoing the PN electoral slogan.

In reply to Cardona's criticism that the PN's track record in the last legislature was littered with fiascos such as the public transport reform, Air Malta, the Malta Drydocks and the energy sector, Fenech said: "I admit we could have handled the Arriva reform better but we did not witness any queues of unemployed persons or the removal of pensions or an increase in University fees as happened in countries around us."

Turning his attention to Labour's campaign, Fenech told Cardona: "Your proposals might be attractive and glossy but it is nothing but deceit, raising people's expectations, knowing that your promises cannot be implemented."

Describing Labour's energy plans as "a short-cut to electoral victory" and a "pseudo plan" Fenech said Labour was trying to fool the electorate by saying that it will reduce tariffs by 25% within a year and build a new power plant by 2015.

"You need five years at least to build a 200MW plant. You cannot implement your plan before five years. It is simply not credible. It's impossible to do it in one year."

On Labour's decision to import gas by sea instead of the EU-funded gas pipeleine connecting Malta to Sicily, Fenech asked: "Why choose the sea, why choose to build a new plant which we do not need? Are there any hidden interests?" Fenech asked, adding whether Labour had entered into a commitment with Isreali energy company Batemen, who had failed in its bid to win the tender for the Delimara power plant extension commissioned in 2012.

Fenech added that Labour leader Joseph Muscat was gambling on his political career by risking it all on "reducing energy bills at all costs, despite advise that this cannot be done before five years time." He went on to ask whether this will lead Muscat introducing new taxes to finance energy reductions warning that this could "drive the country into a wall."

Credible and feasible plan

On his part, Labour candidate Chris Cardona insisted that Labour's energy plan was credible and feasible.

"Our plans to reduce the energy bills are credible and doable and they were positively welcomed by the electorate and the business community. Our proposal to reduce the cost of energy production contrasts with the Nationalist government's inefficiency which resulted in the second highest energy rates for industry in Europe and the third highest rates for households."

Cardona also said a Labour government will appoint an energy minister who will guide the change of direction in energy generation. He added that the PN will inevitably cast doubts on Labour's plans which are backed by consultants whose services were also sought by the PN government.

"However the country is asking how, when and how a PN government will reduce energy bills. We have laid our cards on the table and showed how we will reduce bills for families and businesses," Cardona said.

The PL candidate asked whether the PN still believed that energy costs could be reduced or whether it has ignored the people's plea for lower utility rates. 

He added that Labour will also create solar energy parks, which will increase the country's generation of renewable energy, and the Marsa power plant will be closed down for good.

In reply to Fenech's doubts on whether the new power plant included in Labour's plans could be constructed and commissioned within 18 months, Cardona said "The PN cannot give us lessons on maintaining deadlines," reminding viewers that in 1999 a previous PN government had already promised the construction of a gas pipeline, however this was never done.

"Tonio Fenech might not believe the feasibility of this project but the people certainly do," Cardona said. He also stressed that a Labour government will appoint a bi-partisan board at Enemalta, including the best brains available.

Cardona pointed out that "Malta does not belong to politicians, parties or cliques. We will return the country to the people, irrespective of their political beliefs or of their vote on 9 March."

He said a Labour administration will ensure that economic growth is achieved in a sustainable manner, which will not only benefit the few "but it will benefit all families and improve their quality of life."