ARMS seeking out-of-court settlement with foreign residents

The lawyers of foreign EU citizens residing in Malta who say they are charged discriminatory rates of energy by Enemalta, are in discussions with ARMS (Automated Revenue Management Services) to reach an out-of-court settlement on their grievances.

The meetings so far are aimed at addressing a judicial protest filed by some 50 non-Maltese EU citizens against Enemalta's billing company ARMS, over discriminatory rates of utility they were charged.

The protestors claim they have been subjected to a "non-transparent, equivocal and lengthy" administrative practice when applying for electricity and water services, amongst them being asked for other proof of residence other than their identity card numbers, something they claim violates their right to data protection.

"We have been charged electricity and water tariffs at financially disadvantageously and discriminatory rates by ARMS when compared generally to Maltese citizens, and we're not even enjoying equal benefits such as the eco-reduction scheme," one of the protestors told MaltaToday.

"This distinction between residential and domestic tariffs has no counterpart in European law, which only distinguishes between residential and commercial use."

The protestors want ARMS to concede the illegality of the application of the distinction between residential and domestic tariffs to European citizens who have a sole residence in Malta, and also to propose a method of reimbursement if it results that they have been paying higher rates than those they were entitled to enjoy for non-commercial water and electricity use.

"If it means going to the European Court, we are prepared for that, as well. Our membership is strong... we know we have the law on our side," one of the protestors told MaltaToday.