"Fuel prices are going up!" "Try to save up on energy." "Electricity rates will surely have to rise." "Be careful with consumption."

With all this in mind, my husband and I decided to opt for a solar water heater. Off we went price and quality hunting.

To our amazement we discovered the following: Since May 1 VAT on these heaters has shot up from five to 18 per cent; tax concession is only available and granted to applicants for new electricity meters.

What we cannot come to terms with is why there has to be a distinction between old and newly built houses. We are trying to save energy and money.

Why, instead of encouraging families to install solar water heaters has the VAT rate been raised?

Solar water heaters are not cheap. Their prices range from Lm450 to Lm600 to provide hot water for four persons. So why further increase the burden? Then, how about solar heaters being locally manufactured? Is it not possible for the Malta Shipyards to go for such production? I am more than sure they have the necessary infrastructure to do them.

In the next budget, the government should seriously consider tax rebates or incentives that would encourage the Maltese to look for alternative solar energy household appliances.