Is there some mistake?

Mr. Stivala (Letters, 8th November) draws attention to the steep hike in electricy meter rates (from Euro55.9 to Euro420) he (a pensioner) faces as a user with a 3-phase supply. Around ten years ago, I also was advised and installed 3-phase supply at my residence. This was the only way that I could solve the problem of a fluctuating electricity supply, which was continually damaging electrical appliances in my home. I, like Mr. Stivala, am a pensioner and I do not use electricity at home to engage in any commercial activity. It is strange and unfair to inflict such a huge increase in the meter tariff on domestic users who happen to be on a 3-phase supply.

Most consumers are realistic enough to accept the basic case for higher energy tariffs, and support the drive towards energy conservation and cleaner energy. But much of this goodwill and sense of co-operation with the authorities will be lost if some tariffs are raised purely out of monopolistic strength and on fiscal considerations, rather than on justifiable economic or environmental grounds. On this basis, the new 3-phase meter tariff on meters of domestic and non-commercial users is absolutely uncalled for.

Joseph D Camilleri

Dear Mr. Galea,
I am sorry I did not know that there is highway robbery everywhere, I thought it was only in the electricity tariffs. Who are the people who invent these hikes. If these hikes were made by a private monopolistic entity, our benevolent government would bring it to its knees and makes sure that maybe and only maybe they give them permission to double the price, especially for a service that is the same as yesterday, where just to mention a fact we had about 2 hours without electricity, I am sure about this I was writing some model engineering notes on the computer when everything (well nearly everything) went up in smoke.
Norman

tony grech
Have a look at my post at http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20081108/local/action-plan-to-focus-attention-on-energy-efficiency

IS THERE ANOTHER MISTAKE?

I am a pensioner and have a very small boat with a 5 h.p. engine. My licence went up from 3 euro to 120 euro. Can anyone explain please, please

You are not mistaken Norman.
Every one of us will have paid for the electricity and water meters thousands of time what they cost.
In Iran which some wrongly consider as a backward country, the electricity meter is yours and you take it with you if you move house.
But then EneMalta and the Government will not be able to charge you such exorbitant rates for the meter would they?

Are you that fortunate that you know the new electricity rates and tariffs. where on earth can one have access to these mysterious figures?