In the recent information booklet sent by Enemalta to all households there seems to be some information missing or else written in such small print I might just have missed it.

On page 8, where it is stated that it is imperative to pay within 45 days from the date of invoice, it is also stated that interest at six per cent per annum will be charged from 15 days after date of invoice on any late payments.

Will the interest charged be on the "actual" invoice or will it also be charged on invoices sent with the calculated or estimated usage? It is nowhere specified on invoice; all it says is that interest on late payments will be calculated from 15 days after date of invoice. Which invoice, the "estimated" or the "actual"?

In my case, the estimated invoices have always been much higher than the actual consumption statements.

Will Enemalta be giving the consumer six per cent interest on the excess funds charged in the invoices with the high estimated balances until the next issue of statements? At the end of the day, Enemalta's liquidity will certainly be improving with funds retained as payment on account, being the difference between estimated and actual balances.

I sincerely hope the Maltese consumer will not "get the short end of the stick" again and not have to be up in arms at Arms Ltd charging interest on estimated bills and be clear that any interest charged will be on the actual usage on statements.