Use of energy saving bulbs would neutralise tariff increases - PM
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said this evening that the average use of energy saving bulbs would neutralise the increase in the power tariffs for households.
Dr Gonzi reacted to opposition criticism of the new tariffs when he spoke in Parliament about the budget.
He said the new tariffs had been introduced on the principle that everybody paid for his consumption, and subsidies which encouraged waste should be removed.
Last Monday, he said, Opposition leader Joseph Muscat had called on the government to withdraw the new utility tariffs and made other proposals, but he did not say where the money would come from.
It was well known that oil prices had reached record highs in the middle of the year and then dropped. No one knew what the future held, some were saying prices would return to $100 by year’s end. The government had assumed the worst case scenario but the new mechanism was such that prices would go down as necessary.
It was important to keep in mind, however, that oil purchases were not made overnight and their impact took time to work themselves through to the pumps. Furthermore Malta did not buy crude, but refined oil which did not fluctuate in parallel with the price of crude.
Dr Gonzi said that the new power tariffs would mean an increased outlay of between 85 euro cents and €1.45 per week for most domestic account holders. However, using energy saving bulbs for five hours per day would save a family €175 per year. Experts had confirmed that using energy saving lamps - which the government would hand out - would reduce the impact of the new tariffs to zero.
Dr Gonzi observed that the opposition was asking why petrol prices were falling in the UK, but not in Malta. Yet prices per litre of petrol and diesel in Malta were actually cheaper, the reason being that excise duties on fuel in the UK were much higher than Malta’s.
Earlier, Dr Gonzi accused Dr Muscat of having ignored the international crisis when he criticized the budget last Monday,.
The budget, Dr Gonzi said, was aimed at addressing the challenges which Malta faced in view of the world turmoil, yet Dr Muscat, inexplicably, acted like Malta was on its own and took the budget out of its context.
This was the same Dr Muscat who used to campaign against Malta joining the EU. He had also urged Malta to slow down the process of euro adoption. Yet one would shudder to think what Malta would have experienced in the current crisis had those decisions not been taken.
The opposition also used to criticize the government over the shipyards, but had the government not acted in the way it did, it would have been in hot water, like Poland was, with the EU having ruled that state aid to Polish shipyards was unlawful. What of the workers then?
How could Dr Muscat be credible in his analysis when it was based on a tale and ignored the exceptional international situation?
Dr Gonzi said that what happened on Wall Street impacted on Bulebel. What had happened at Toly, Trelleborg and Methode was all a direct result of what was happening abroad, such as the downturn in the global sale of cars.
The budget, therefore, responded to these challenges and others, such as the environment.
The government based itself on the views of major economists who had called for government investment which yielded long term results rather than rebate cheques for short term gain.
Still the government had reduced income tax, introduced further incentives for women to return to work, introduced incentives for job creation and was investing heavily in sectors such as education and the infrastructure, Dr Gonzi said.,
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john falzon
Nov 14th 2008, 12:38
We currently use a standard water heater at home, with a timer set to turn this on early in the morning and off at around 8.30am, by which time everyone would have had a shower and left the house.
I have often wondered whether using one of those instant water heaters - the ones which heat the water practically when it is coming out of the pipe and thus uses electricity only during this time - would be a cheaper option. It also has the advantage of eliminating heating time. Can anyone clarify whether the second option is in fact cheaper and if so, why is it not being promoted as a possible solution ?
Also, re solar heaters, one needs to have access to a roof for this, so maisonettes etc at ground level may be disadvantaged in this. Also just how many solar heaters can one fit on a block of flats - there are some unit with 26 flats ! So are we moving to a state where only the privileged roof owners can save money on energy ? Not to mention also the problem of those with roofs that are in the shade of taller buildings!
J cilia
Nov 14th 2008, 12:09
So when do we get the vouchers for the energy saving bulbs? How many free bulbs will be entitled to? Will there be any restrictions on the range of energy saving bulbs that can be selected by consumers? Will the vouchers be value tagged? Wouldn't it have been more appropriate to issue these vouchers prior to the revision in rates? So far seven weeks have elapsed since the introduction of the new tariffs, will consumers get a rebate based on the missed opportunity to partake of the savings highlighted in the PM's speech? can any experst confirm or challenge the savings indicated in the PM's speech?
apgrech
Nov 13th 2008, 13:05
If there was such a thing as impeachment, I'd gladly see this whole parliament impeached for what they are doing.
I've rarely seen any major irresponsible decisions taken by any admin before.
Joseph Muscat, influence the NP MPs hopefully you'll topple the government with a vote of non confidence.
Mark Bonello
Nov 13th 2008, 12:48
What a wonderful world we live in !
The world economy is on the drip solution of taxes to stifle AN INCREDIBLY BAD JOB BY highly reputed certifying agencies who never saw it coming !
Whilst in Malta, since we are a nation of hard working savers, and therefore this drip was not needed, we have to pay through our noses to make do for the inefficiency and probably worker overload of Enemalta !
Why not organize a "nightly tariff" at a lower cost and a " wastage tariff " instead.
But then why all the worry......In January 3 months from now the rates would reflect oil price now and therefore be about 34% of today's rates.
S Mizzi
Nov 13th 2008, 12:22
True that if one were more careful at home one could reduce consumption and save money, but it doesn't follow that if everyone collectively saves then the country will spend less on oil for firing our power stations. Am I correct in assuming that the turbines at the power station are running whether one light bulb is on in Malta or whether every single electrical appliance is running at the same time?
Its like a diesel generator. If you have one lamp connected to the generator, or 10 lamps, it is still consuming the same amount of diesel. Can anyone clarify?
Joseph Vella
Nov 13th 2008, 10:12
So everybody is saying his problem etc. At the end of the day what are we going to do? Simple - pay up your electricity bills so that the government has enough to spend example a Jaguar for his Minister, a delegation 0f 23 persons accompaning the President to Portugal and so.
But as usual we are just a bunch of nagging women - just talk and no action. This goes to the Unions as well. My opinion would be to have a General strike or other means example boycott of Enemalta post.
And don't dare anyone here say that I am MLP because my friend you are so wrong. I voted PN for the past four elections.
Marco Meli
Nov 13th 2008, 09:56
ENERGY SAVING TIPS
Many people don't know that leaving the TV, DVD and many other appliances on standby uses up a great deal of electricity. In many cases these appliances use up more energy each day in standby mode, than when they are being used! Even your microwave clock probably uses more electricity than you use to actually microwave food.
So, forget standby mode and switch appliances off when you are not using them. Better still, if you plug several appliances into a power strip with its own switch, you can easily turn them all off at once and cut off a good portion of your electricity bill that way.
Check if your fridge/freezer is set excessively cold and get rid of that layer of ice that makes the appliance have to work harder. Put your water heater on a timer (or only turn it on when needed) and check if you have the temperature set higher than you need.
Just a few ideas off the top of my head :) Would be great to see the government raising awareness on these other ways of saving electricity.
Muscat Patricia
Nov 13th 2008, 09:37
We need a NEW generation of leaders to tackle NEW problems! Old slogans wan't do, and what is even more important the government must practice what he is trying to force on the comunities! It is laudable to have environmental concern and laws, but these must be HONESTLY GREEN and not an excuse to raise taxes and monies for a budget that went on a spending spree to get Dr Gonzi elected! A case in point is the ECO TAX, this was supposed to be removed by the time the RECYCLING SCHEME got started. The GRTU too condemned the double tax! In the meantime, DR Gonzi could start by leaving on odd lights on and off along the Zebbug to Mosta Bye-Pass. The many lights tell us;" waste from government not a problem"
Ian laferla
Nov 13th 2008, 09:33
how about those people who had energy saving bulbs installed for the past 3 years ? Who or What is going to balance off the increae in tariffs ? ? ? Think before you speak Dear prime minister
Edwin formosa
Nov 13th 2008, 09:25
Some simple questions to all those making fuss on new tariffs .
1. International oil prices compelled Gonzi to hike tariffs. What excuse is there for Sant doing the same when the price was just a fraction of to-day's 11 yrs ago ???
2.Did you describe it as kuraggus u responsabli as Jo Muscat did then ?
3. What if 33 taxes were added on top of all??
Pls answer ? Muscat never did.
J Spiteri
Nov 13th 2008, 09:16
We have been using energy savers for more than 2 years and our electricy bills still comes sky high, Dr Gonzi what do you want us to do more? ppl soon we will be reverting to lamps
philip pace
Nov 13th 2008, 09:07
'Dr Gonzi said that the new power tariffs would mean an increased outlay of between 85 euro cents and €1.45 per week for most domestic account holders. However, using energy saving bulbs for five hours per day would save a family €175 per year. Experts had confirmed that using energy saving lamps - which the government would hand out - would reduce the impact of the new tariffs to zero.'
So dear Prime Minister, some simple questions for you.
Who are these so called experts? Can you name them?
So you are trying to convince us to use just five hours per day, now we are in winter, in order for a family -bearing in mind that the number of persons making up this family has been left out on purpose?
How many 3,4, or 5 or more persons make up this 'fictitious' family that you are implying?
No wonder that the man in the street has lost faith in your dogmatic, pontifical, boring, lacklustre and patronizing style of governing when you are not able to communicate with your electors in plain language and less sardonic smiles.
Have you forgotten your promises?
You are completely out of touch.
Good Day
apgrech
Nov 13th 2008, 08:50
This administration is destroying all the progress we achieved in the last 50 years. The almost tripling the water and electricity bill is destructive and if the PM doesn't see it, it's about time he resigns.
PM Gonzi, you are destroying as and you are betraying the trust of those who voted for you and desroying our country.
M Xuereb
Nov 13th 2008, 08:49
And what if I'm already using energy-saving bulbs? And switching on the water heater only once a day for the family to have its daily shower? And not keeping my appliances on stand-by? And what if I've been doing this out of a sense of responsibility towards the environment - rather than towards my pocket - for donkey's years now? Should I now start washing the family laundry in cold water by hand? Or reduce our daily shower to once a week perhaps?
Tell me, what then?
From where I stand, it is evident that the supplier's inefficiencies have simply been offloaded on to us consumers. The next thing I'm expecting is that the government waits for oil prices to start rising from their present all-time low before placing an order, and then tells us that this is the reason for yet another increase in tariffs. Just wait for it!
G. Farrugia
Nov 13th 2008, 08:22
The PM Gonzi took us all for a ride. The global economic skies were already overcast with thick black clouds in March, just before the last elections. Yet then he depicted a different picture. Now that we are in the thick of the storm which everyone saw coming, he is trying to change the song. What a cheek! Dhaqt bina ilkoll.
T Abela
Nov 13th 2008, 08:19
@Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said this evening that the average use of energy saving bulbs would neutralise the increase in the power tariffs for households.
GO AND TELL IT TO THE MARINES
Jean-Pierre Aquilina
Nov 13th 2008, 08:10
@ V Fenech:
"We do not care what Sarkozy or any other European figurehead dictates to Gonzi's mind."
You can decide not to care what the international circumstances looks like, but you cannot escape their impact.
J.Pace
Nov 13th 2008, 07:51
Dear PM, do you really think that 5 bulbs will bring the electricity billdifference to zero ? what experts do work with you ? what about water heaters, that almost all new families that leave in flats can afford, as the mepa was giving permits to everyone (qishom pastizzi) with use of roof or even without roof.. and so they cannot afford to put a solar heater, do you thing water heaters will work with enery bulbs, and save energy too. In house not only light bulbs work with electricity .
What's about the surplus that was promised from last budget? or everything was spend and send back to the deficiet before the elcetion.
Oil was high and maybe it was bought in those days, but also families (normal families) are loosing hrs from their jobs, from 5day to 4 day , so less money in pockets. how do you think they will end the month?
Jesmond Cassar
Nov 13th 2008, 07:46
This not to mention the increase in car licences and the boat licences, especially the low powered ones. Why wasn’t same issue was used on cars used on boats? Having a 0 to 9.9hp motor on a boat would mean that you have to pay a licence €120, whilst those having a boat with a motor exceeding the 150hp would pay only €200. Why in this case the issue of I am quoting Minister Fenech “Min ihammeg ihallas” was not used??? Obviously a 9.9hp motor would not use fuel and contaminate our environment as a 150hp motor.
Jesmond Cassar
Nov 13th 2008, 07:43
Dr. Gonzi.
As regards the new tariffs do you know that you and Minister Fenech are quoting different rates. Please refer to previous government statements before trying to convince us that the new would not increase our bills as much. Apart from quoting different increases Dr. Gonzi is quoting increases to most domestic account holders, which one should understand that this is referring to a family, whilst Minister Fenech was quoting his rates per person.
Another thing I would like to ask is, Who are the experts Dr. Gonzi is refereeing to when saying, I am quoting: “Experts had confirmed that using energy saving lamps - which the government would hand out - would reduce the impact of the new tariffs to zero.” Is Dr. Gonzi once again pulling our legs, or are his experts stabbing Dr. Gonzi in his back and making a fool out of him for leading us to this situation???
Looks like Dr. Gonzi is now panicking seeing that all the Unions are united and turning to the Government to revise these bills.
Michele Sarlo
Nov 13th 2008, 07:38
I have energy saving bulbs in every room and I make sure I do not waste electricity but the bill still comes high.
I have installed these bulbs 2 years ago but still I am not happy with the increase of the electricity price.
Does this make any sense?
R Axisa
Nov 13th 2008, 07:15
If I understood well during the pm speach yesterday, he mentioned that the licence for those persons who had changed the car engine from petrol to diesel in the past (these diesel engines were bought second hand normally from Japan) as diesel was less expensive and so more economical, the tariff or whatever it is called is being adjusted as he says several persons contacted him in this regard. If Dr Gonzi, as he said, put these measures to practice for a cleaner environment, he should have checked the facts, as these engines are the most non-environmental friendly engines. Dawn il-magni l-aktar li jhallu hmieg fl-arja. Jekk veru min ihammeg l-ambjent irid ihallas, Dr Gonzi ma jmissux ha din id-decizjoni.
Marcello Savona
Nov 13th 2008, 07:08
Dear Prime Minister,,,
for your more information, I would check what you stated about prices of petrol in the UK. Today we have internet and things can be verified easily especially when comparing Malta to a country like the uk were the consumer is always 1st and protected from monopolies.
I suggest you go to this website below and read the prices for yourself: http://www.petrolprices.com/
On Tuesday 11th November the average unleaded petrol price is: 95.6p equivalent to 1.14 euros. I don't think we are paying that price on unleaded.
Also since you mentioned that subsidies and cross subsidies must go, can you please clarify if petrol is still subsidising diesel??
Noel Cutajar
Nov 13th 2008, 06:38
Is this logic? If I use energy saving bulbs they do not consume energy and save on my bill if I use them for 5 hours a day. That is good. So I should use them for 10 hours a day so that I end up not paying.
Michael Neville Cassar
Nov 13th 2008, 06:31
Dear PM for the sake of information.I hardly have any lights on,yet I still pay high electrical bills.
D.MANGION
Nov 13th 2008, 06:30
"Experts had confirmed that using energy saving lamps - which the government would hand out - would reduce the impact of the new tariffs to zero."
I think he said "Eggsperts" not "experts".
Ramon Casha
Nov 13th 2008, 06:24
Ah but you see, I ALREADY HAVE energy saving light bulbs everywhere - I took that step long before the price hike, before the oil crisis, when I first set up my home. So my bills are only going to go up.
Besides, it's not the 75 watt neon tubes that are the biggest consumers. How about a 4000 watt water heater? Or maybe a 1000 watt air conditioner?
carmel tabone
Nov 13th 2008, 05:25
Who do you think you are kidding Doctor Gonzi.? You have been taking people for a ride for quite some time. How is it possible that we accept Austin Gatt's public assertion that we are to make good for inefficiencies at enemalta? What kind of economic principle would you call this?
Raymond Sammut
Nov 13th 2008, 04:53
Invest in a manufacturing plant that makes economical bulbs, and fill every home and street with these devices. Investigate the feasibility of manufacturing electro-diesel engines for cars, and operate all trucks and buses with gas engines. You have to start as early as you can. No time to lose. Oil prices will start to rise again once economies start to pick up in a year or two. The only alternative is for these tariffs to keep hitting the roof, whether it is Gonzi or Muscat.
ALBERT FENECH
Nov 13th 2008, 04:01
I watched our PM perform his Budget Speech. His body language, attitude and frequent bouts of mirth (reflected by the members of his benches around him) were arrogant, patronising and insulting to the Opposition and the Maltese electorate. His message seemed to be that of an arrogant parent talking down to his ignorant children. It conveyed the message that "you are all ignorant". He seems obliviously unaware of the upheavals this budget is going to create, together with the crippling impositions of new electricity, gas and fuel prices. I am sure the electorate are not aware and are not so ignorant and will respond through the ballot boxes very soon.
Robert Cassar
Nov 13th 2008, 03:02
We do not have the same wages as in the UK thus our fuel is much more expansive per head then in the UK! My ears start to puke when I hear such comments and comparisons, dear PM we deserve a bit more of respect!
r ciancio
Nov 13th 2008, 00:38
so what about us that have been using energy savers for so long and cannot keep up with the bills, how can we neutralize our additional tarrifs hallina sur prim ministru ghax ahna min halqna nieklu. this is like rubbing salt in the wound. how can anybody think he is right when the whole population including the ones that put him there are telling him he is wrong?
F Gellel
Nov 13th 2008, 00:14
Tonight the PM explained what we can do to mitigate against the increase in tariffs. the logic is sound and the maths adds up. The hikes are uncomfortable but at least there is a way to soften the blow - whether you want to admit it or not the fact is that energy saving bulbs will make a difference as will solar water heating - I know, because I have been saving for a couple of years!
As for the MITTS issue, can someone explain what the MITTS issue has to do with the national budget? In any event - as anyone in IT will tell you - the MITTS issue is a storm in a teacup - could have happened to the best of us. Stand up all those IT professionals that will guarantee their networks are immune from viruses..........
J MULA
Nov 13th 2008, 00:06
I`M REALLY FINDING IT VERY HARD TO BELEIVE THIS DEAR PRIME MINISTER. THOUGH I` LL ADMIT I WISH THAT IT IS TRUE COS SURELY I`LL BE THE FIRST ONE TO RUSH TO THE IRONMONGER TO BUY DOZENS OF THESE BULBS WITHOUT EVEN WAITING FOR YOU TO GIVE ME THE FREE ONES!
U HALLINA! GIVE US A BREAK PLS!
J Cassar Castaldi
Nov 12th 2008, 23:54
The prime minister compared us to the UK. He said the price was about 10 euro cents more. Someone from the opposition, rightly so, remarked about the difference in uk and maltese wages.
If we remove the excise tax from the prices and compare the real 'trading' price than the trading price in Malta is more expensive. It is either that the government/enemalta are making excessive profits from fuel or else they are not buying at the best possible prices.
In addition:
* for every euro earned by a Maltese, a Briton earns approx 3 euros.
* for every euro diesel tax paid by a Maltese a British pays approx 2.05 euros
* for every euro unleaded petrol tax paid by a Maltese, a Briton pays approx 1.43euro.
So UK citizens pay much less taxes when one factors in their substantial higher income.
I have one question on this matter. Are we also charged VAT on the excise tax element in the price of our fuels? If yes would this not be against EU Regulations similar to that of VAT on the car registration tax.
Manuel Micallef
Nov 12th 2008, 23:30
Most electricity is used by electric motors (such as washing machines) and heating elements (such as dryers and heaters). Bulbs account for a very small percentage of a families consumption. this is a known fact.
George Abdilla
Nov 12th 2008, 23:07
Dear PM,
what happens in my family's case where 10 years ago we took the decision to install only energy saving lights, a solar water heater and a washing machine which takes hot water directly from the solar water heater?
how are we to save more electricty?
the real reason your government is raising tarrifs is its inability to tackle the real issues at hand.. the real issue here is that enemalta is a highly inefficient company losing or rather letting some 15% of electricity production to be stolen! an overstaffed company which is still run as loss making enterprise, a company run by wise guys who managed to lose millions through the use of hedging agreements forced on them because of political interference.
Kevin Chircop
Nov 12th 2008, 22:59
As far as I know, No One, blamed the government for the losses of jobs at Toly or being forced to work 4 days out of 5 at Methode etc...
Please explain, how the Prime Minister says he's worried about these workers when Prime Minister No.2 introduced without notice a hefty burden on the same companies putting their existence in jeopardy! Where is the logic of being worried of working on a 4 day week and not worried that with his actions these companies might close the shutters and leave!!! Also didn't it cross his mind that these workers suddenly lost 20% of their income and higher electricity bills will make it more difficult to cope!!!
How come that with UK already in a recession most probably followed by the rest of the EU, our Prime Minister is estimating an economic growth rate higher than all the 27 EU countries? And a deficit of only 90 million Euros for 2009, when they were uncapable of controlling his year's deficit?
I bet my 5 energy saving lamps that the 2009 deficit will be in the region of 130-150 million Euros.
And then he accused Dr.Muscat of ignoring the international crisis?
Steve Rogers
Nov 12th 2008, 22:41
If the gov assumed the worst and we actually had lower oil prices then the gov must make good. This was an exercise to make up for EneMalta's redundancies
And if oil purchases were not made overnight why did the surcharge shoot up overnight? And if refined oil does not fluctuate in parallel with crude, why did the rates shoot up and not remain steady or fall?
Furthermore why isnt there mention about the US Dollar? Some months ago factories in Malta were in trouble because they were buying with the Euro raw material and selling finished goods using the US Dollar. At the time the dollar to lira maltija was 3.5 to 1. Now its much stronger at 2.92 to 1. With a stronger dollar and cheaper oil this should therefore be a boon to Malta.
Who are these wise consultants who the government asked for advice to balance Malta's budget and came out with these bright ideas? Isn't it obvious the car industry will flounder eventually if globally we really are thinking of our environment wherein people buy less cars and switch to mass transportation with "rising" oil prices?
Steve Rogers
Nov 12th 2008, 22:30
5 energy savers are irrelevant to the subject. They are not on all the time to save the amounts the sales pitch claim. Furthermore, I just bought 2 11 watt bulbs each costing me nearly 7euros each (so 5x7 = 35euros). These bulbs tend to go faster then the manufacturers claim as well, so they are expensive to buy.
The real energy wasters are our fridges, tvs, toasters, hairdryers, electric ovens, acs/heaters and microwaves. THEY do not come with energy saver features without additional costs (eg washing machines and fridges do come with grades). Is the gov still giving subsidies on white goods?
Furthermore, incandescent light bulbs are now banned in the USA from use and production; the EU will probably follow suit. We will have no choice but to use energy savers.
John Cauchi
Nov 12th 2008, 22:30
What I can't understand is why oil prices, and electricity tariffs have increased when Crude oil has dropped to $59/barrel just today, the lowest price since March 2007.
Ok, the oil was bought REFINED months ago, when prices were much higher. I accept that argument. But prices are being INCREASED?
I am in "favour" of high oil prices, so to speak, because I think it is essential to switch to green energy in the near future in the light of climate change and future deals on cap and trade emmissions mechanisms (especially under the upcoming Obama administration)... however, why are prices being increased when families are suffering so much??
And also, why doesn't the government invest that extra cash in covering the Mater Dei roof with solar panels? Why not invest in (truly) offshore wind turbines? The technology IS out there, it just is expensive. Well.. guess what, so are the profits being made from the sky-high oil prices.
In our house we have changed most of our light bulbs to energy-saving, and the bill is still going to increase. The argument presented in the headline of this article is not applicable to our household.
Tony Abela
Nov 12th 2008, 22:21
Dear PM,
Do you know that a flourescent tube is more economic than an energy saving bulb of the same wattage?
Therefore why you are charging double tax on this type of lighting?
I suggest you take a look at the press release issued by the EU following the Council of Ministers meeting held on the 10/10/08 and in particular refer to page 20.
Do you know that EU is proposing to ban all filament bulbs by 2010? Therefore your environmental friendly argument, even if by any imagination is valid, it is only so for just one year.
John Borg
Nov 12th 2008, 21:56
What a radical concept! Everyone pays for what he or she uses rather than scrounging off the state.
johanna scicluna
Nov 12th 2008, 21:56
What about those who have been using energy savers since many many years? are we going to have a dramatic reduction with the new tarrifs?
I'm really looking forward to the next actual bill from WSC cause this is going to mean more money to spend on my family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Victor Galea
Nov 12th 2008, 21:56
My dear Prim Minister,
Please allow me to remind you that the petrol and diesel in UK is pretty much the same now.
In addition, please note that
The UK minimum wage is €1,170
The Malta minimum wage is €601 per month
http://victorgalea.blogspot.com
Please do not censor my comment. Thanks
Ivan Pirotta
Nov 12th 2008, 21:51
Dr Gonzi. Today you showed us that you are a real Statesman ................ Proset
Keep up the Good Work.
JOSEPHINE FENECH
Nov 12th 2008, 21:41
DR Gonzi do you REALLY think that 5 energy saving bulbs are going to neutrilze our bills????? How am I going to heat up the house of my 76 year old mother when I had to put away the parafin heaters, the electrical heaters including electric blanket which used to help her arthritis pain, and NOW the gas heaters.
Please if you have another option for my heating the houselike perhaps all of you parlamentaries got in your house let us know.
Are we really living in 2008 I REALLY WONDER
g
Edward Zammit
Nov 12th 2008, 21:33
What a joke...all of a sudden we hear Dr Gonzi praising the style of Dr Alfred Sant...Teatrini...Could not believe what I was hearing.
Joseph E Briffa
Nov 12th 2008, 21:24
@ V Fenech....lights in one's home garage are on for maybe only a couple of hours a day in the aggregate. So they don't consume alot of energy; one must remember that the unit of energy is based on the product of power (the kilowatt) and the time (the hour)
Louisa Grech
Nov 12th 2008, 21:17
@ J. Borg
Mittsgate, as Dr. Joseph Muscat referred to, is being investigated by the police force. Let them conduct their investigations and issue their findings. If you dont have faith in the police force then thats another thing.
@ V Fenech
Only time will tell who is right, whether the Prime Minister or Joseph Muscat. One cannot foretell the future in these uncertain times.
Charles Martin
Nov 12th 2008, 21:16
What Dr Gonzi might not be taking into consideration is the fact that many families already have the Energy Saving lights installed in most of the rooms. So the increase will be effective for all these families! Secondly one needs to note that one cannot install energy saving light in all areas. ES lights are only good for those areas requirung long time of electricity. Areas that are used for a short period of time it is not recomended to use ES lights as these are not effective and not economical!
Why is it that now that the cost of fuel is very near to what we were used to pay before the crisis why do we have to pay 3 times what we used to pay before. If the reason is the Hacking agreement why doesn't the government renegosiate the agreement especially since experts are saying the oil will not rise by December and only minor increases are envisaged by the middle of next year
frednallia
Nov 12th 2008, 21:15
this the gonzipn who spoke against hedging and some months latter the pm2gatto had enetered in a hedging agreeement for the price of usdollar 110 per barrel.
the gonzipm this evening was joking with most serious things. he was far from the truth especially when he as reported said that using save energy bulbs woued meet the increase of the gattopn tariffs.
Albert Gauci Cunningham
Nov 12th 2008, 21:09
Yes I'm sure all those self-employed and businesses which have to work with electricity will feel all neutralised!!! I'm sure that all the five star Hotels on this island who will have huge W&E bills to pay and employ thousands of people will feel all happy and excited when they get the 5 light bulbs!! I'm sure ST Microelectronics will write to all the other companies and tell them to pack up, wrap up and come to Malta because the government has increased the bills threefold and plans to give five bulbs in return!!
Don't get me wrong, the 5 light bulb initiative is very good as it pushes for better use of electricity which wastes less, but saying that these will in any way neutralise the effects is ludicrous!!
I was planning on buying an airconditioner for next Summer......(you know Malta!!----Summer!!----40degrees-----horribly hot!!!!!) but I guess I would need 50 more light bulbs to neutralise that!!!
I think Gonzi had better start thinking of ways to neutralise the fumes of anger coming out of everybody's head right now!! We aint buyin any of his jibberish this time round!!!
J Cassar Castaldi
Nov 12th 2008, 21:07
Assuming that one is replacing a 40w incandecent lamp by an eco lamp of 15 watts one would save 0.025 of a unit per hour.
Units saved over 5 hours 0.025 x 5 = 0.125 units daily
0.125 x 365 = 45.625 units annualy
45.625 units @ 17.3 cents = euro 7.89
Therefore one bulb saves you euro 7.62 per annum
Assuming that one has two bulbs on at the same time the savings would thus double to Euro15.78.
Therefore this will only save you Euro 15.78 per annual which is nowhere near the amount stated by Gonzi.
These are facts and not teatrini like we saw on TV today. Let's pray to God that these so called experst are not advising the PM on other energy issues like purcaheof oil, fuel etc..
Muscat.Pat
Nov 12th 2008, 21:06
Whilst the budget speech of minister Tonio Fenech was delivered in a sombre tone that reflected the seriousness of the sky-high tariffs, the speech of our Prime Minister resembled a panegyric delivery of self laudatory slogans. His delivery reminded me of the promises which are now NOT being kept, and, to tell you the truth I did not like the "teatrin" smiles and especially the "Malta fior dell'mondo" archaic saying, which is not what the environmental NGO's would agree with. The tariffs will continue to strangle us softly , even though I kept hoping that at the end of the speech Dr Gonzi would repent.
V Fenech
Nov 12th 2008, 20:57
Do you want to pull our legs Dear PM???
For the sake of those who did not understand what Gonzi was trying to hide, the pm was talking about leaving 5 energy saving bulbs on for 5 hours each day. Normally a typical household use neon tubes or just traditional bulbs in rooms which are less used, eg. garages. This is perfect nonsense......
Besides the PM should think about addressing the true problems of us Maltese. We do not care what Sarkozy or any other European figurehead dictates to Gonzi's mind.
We care for our pockets and our families which are things that the PN government is leaving behind.
J.Borg
Nov 12th 2008, 20:47
I think it's today that we saw the real 'TEATRIN'
How come the Mittsgate wasn't mentioned or did i miss it!!!!!