Refund scheme launched for energy-savers

A scheme aimed at encouraging the Maltese to buy energy-saving domestic appliances, in line with Budget 2007, was launched yesterday by the Finance and Resources and Infrastructure Ministries.

The government has allocated Lm500,000 to the scheme, which entails 20 per cent refunds of a maximum of Lm25 on category A dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers and air-conditioning units, and a maximum of Lm50 on A tropical and A+ semi-tropical refrigerators, freezers or a combination of both.

A maximum refund of Lm25 is also available for purchasing Category A semi-tropical fridges and freezers until March 31, so as not to discriminate against these items already on the market and to encourage importers to order Category A tropical and A+ semi-tropical fridges and freezers the next time round.

The grading goes from A to G, with A++ using 67 per cent less energy than a C-class model, and A+ using 53 per cent less.

The idea is to bring about a change in the amount of energy-conserving appliances that are bought, so the scheme is being monitored by a working group every three months to determine whether it needs being reviewed, said Tonio Fenech, Parliamentary Secretary in the Finance Ministry.

The scheme is not meant to serve simply as a form of government subsidy for the purchase of the same domestic appliances that are being bought today, but to bring about a change in consumption patterns, he insisted.

These items cost more than their energy-consuming counterparts, but the public has to understand the long-term benefits in terms of the amount of consumption saved, Mr Fenech said. Every measure that brings about a reduction in energy consumption, without lowering the standard of living, benefits not only the consumer but also the country's economy, he highlighted.

The scheme is in effect from last November 1 but took its time to be fine-tuned, following intense talks between the government and the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises - GRTU to establish complicated parameters.

Those retailers interested in participating in the scheme can register with the Malta Resources Authority. Once they have been authorised, they would have to clearly display energy labels at the point of sale and show that they sell energy-saving appliances. The suppliers would have to be responsible for the accuracy of the labels.

Purchasers would have to fill in the necessary application, which would be then sent to the MRA for a refund.

Speaking at the launch, Resources Minister Ninu Zammit said Malta's goal was to reach energy consumption savings of one per cent every year for nine years, which would translate into savings of Lm1.3 million.