Social partners given options on new power tariffs - increases expected

The government has presented the social partners with five alternatives on how new power and water tariffs may be introduced to replace the current surcharge and lift government subsidies.

The options were presented at a five-hour meeting of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development which included presentations by Enemalta chairman Alex Tranter and KPMG advisers on behalf of the government.

Most of those who attended were tight-lipped following the meeting, although GWU general secretary Tony Zarb said he never expected to hear the things which he had heard during the meeting.

One of those present said that in terms of EU rules, subsidies on domestic bills as well as the capping of the surcharge on industry had to end, something which could see bills rise steeply.

The government is expected to clarify the position at a press conference later today.

The social partners were asked to react to the proposals by October 18.