Reduced energy tariffs applicable as of tomorrow

The Labour government’s pledge of reduced energy tariffs will come into force as from tomorrow, when new water and electricity rates will be applied.

Both residential and domestic household accounts are set to enjoy a 25% reduction in electricity tariffs and a 5% reduction in water tariffs.

Although the new tariffs will start being applied tomorrow, the first reduced bills will be issued during the third week of April: the bills issued during the first two weeks of April will be for energy consumed during the last 15 days of March.

Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi explains introduction of reduced energy bills

Consumers may also receive crossover bills: a bill with the old and new rates. The bill will come with a sheet that will give a breakdown of the energy consumed and rates applied.

Enemalta meter readers will be deployed to all houses around Malta and Gozo between April and May.

Addressing the press in Zurrieq, Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi said the majority of families would enjoy a 30% reduction.

“The PN administration always said it was impossible to reduce the tariffs. Today we are proud to announce that the reductions will come into force as from tomorrow… a year after we were elected to government,” Mizzi.

The minister said the government’s energy plan was both about social justice and environment protection: “Families shouldn’t be burdened with exaggerated tariffs and disposable income will now increase.”

The change to a gas power station will translate in emissions cut by half, where yearly carbon emissions will decrease by 1 million tones.

Mizzi reassured that both the energy benefits and eco reduction will remain in place.

Asked by journalists on the latest developments with regard to the investigations into the tampering of smart meters, Mizzi said hundreds of consumers came forward whose information has also helped the police in its investigations to arraign more individuals.

A preliminary estimate confirms the government will be collected around €10 million from the scheme launched urging consumers who stole electricity to come forward.

As scheme comes to an end next week, Mizzi warned that penalties for those who did not come forward will be more harsh.

“We are currently revising the penalties to make them more harsh. Theft will not be tolerated,” he said, adding that Enemalta was investigating the other existing methods by which electricity is stolen.