Updated: Utility tariffs: Muscat demands apology

Opposition leader Joseph Muscat today accused the Prime Minister of playing for time after The Times revealed that the regulator has postponed the review of the electricity tariffs to mid-March.

The original date was the end of February.

'Coincidentally' Dr Muscat said, the new date coincided with the date of a parliamentary debate on the tariffs requested by the Opposition.

He said the Opposition would insist during the debate that the bills issued since October should be withdrawn and replaced by lower tariffs.

Dr Muscat also accused to regulator of now having lifted a finger and not having intervened with regard to the 'unfair bills' currently being mailed to consumers.

He said Dr Gonzi needed not only to withdraw the bills, but also apologise.

Meanwhile, Opposition utilities spokesman Joe Mizzi this morning filed a judicial protest against the Prime Minister, the Resources Minister and the Malta Resources Authority calling on the authorities to respect and enforce the law governing fair competition in the provision of energy supply.

Mr Mizzi said the MRA was responsible for the regulation of all activity concerning energy, water and mineral resources. The authority was furthermore bound to ensure fair competition in any matter concerning such resources.

He said its inaction was causing immediate and irreparable harm to the economy.