Government lambasts ‘Opposition’s attempts’ to compromise power station project

The Ministry for Energy has lambasted what it called attempts by the Opposition to undermine government's plan to reduce utility bills, adding that the PN failed to provide alternatives.

Reacting to questions raised by MPs George Pullicino, Charlot Bonnici and Anthony Bezzina over the feasibility of the gas power plant at Delimara, the ministry said the PN was still going on with its attempts to hinder plans for the reduction of bills for families and business.

It said that questions raised by the PN were unfounded.

"The government is on track with its energy plan and remains committed not only to reduce water and electricity tariffs but also reducing air pollution through the shutting down of the Marsa power station and removing the Delimara power station chimney," the ministry said.

A spokesperson for Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi added that despite all this, "the opposition retained its negative tone against reduction in bills, which led to the PN losing the election".

The ministry reiterated that the PN in government, "led by George Pullicino", had worst track record in energy.

"This is without mentioning the BWSC project which was marred with scandals, the delay in the interconnector project and the weak take-up in renewable energy," the ministry said.

"George Pullicino is the same politician who during his leadership of the sector took years to draft a national energy policy."

The ministry said discussions were ongoing between the government and the European Commission over the necessary funding for gas-related energy projects.