European Commission action to prevent electricity disconnections demanded
Labour MEP Edward Scicluna has called on the European Commission to act in response to the growing number of Maltese families being disconnected from electricity following the recent hike in utility tariffs.
In a parliamentary question, Prof Scicluna drew attention to the EU Electricity Directive which required member states to protect vulnerable customers and recommended the prohibition of disconnection during critical times.
Prof Scicluna said:
"The European law specifically asks member states to protect vulnerable families and take action to reduce energy poverty in particular through the prohibition of electricity supply. Yet levels of energy poverty in Malta increased in 2009 and will inevitably get worse following the latest huge price increases."
"I want to know whether the Commission accepts that the government is in breach of the EU Electricity Directive and, if so, what action it plans to take."
Prof. Scicluna's question also pointed out that utility tariffs in Malta rose by 29 per cent since December, by far the steepest increase in the EU. It also highlighted that 2,148 households were disconnected from electricity between January and October last year.
Commenting, Prof Scicluna said:
"With such a massive hike in utility bills it is surely no surprise that many people are simply unable to pay. But by allowing hundreds of Maltese families to be disconnected each month the government is riding roughshod over consumer rights and flagrantly ignoring European law.
"When most families are still suffering the effects of the economic crisis, removing a basic human right like electricity is deplorable," he said.
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Christian Sciberras
Mar 21st 2010, 21:14
Why exactly are you all yelling against Prof. Scicluna?
Personally, I've had enough of blackouts and other disservices.
Joe Fenech
Mar 21st 2010, 13:32
Malta a Catholic country!!!!! D I S G U S T I N G !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
K J Vella
Mar 20th 2010, 23:13
It is convenient for Profs Scicluna's agenda to forget the Labour times when those who suffered from regular power and water cuts were people of a "blue" leaning, ie Slliema, etc. Since Profs Scicluna is an economist. he should suggest real ways of solving the problems for the Maltese at large rather than whine and whinge.
And to all the commentators here, eg, L Galea et al, get a life and start looking at the reality. We need people who make real criticisms by proposing real solutions. Not one of you comes up with a strong argument against government except from a position of "now you will see when Labour comes to power how we will solve the problems of Malta". Forget it! They won't because they don't care
AAgius
Mar 20th 2010, 10:11
L-Ahwa nuru solidarjeta ma hutna li genwinament ma jlahqux mal-ispejjes. Pero nikkundannaw lil dawk kollha li jcedu ghall-vizzji bhal bingo lotto u xalar meta dan ma jifilhux ghalih. Kull min gharaf imexxi ir-rizorsi tieghu qatt ma waqa fil-faqar.Allura tridx ghandu flus ghal kapricci kollha imbghad ghal iktar bzonnijiet essenzjali ma jahseb xejn u joqghod jistenna l-gvern tal-gurnata itieh flat itieh sussidji fuq kwalunkwe haga u dan minn fuq dahar il-biezel li stinka u dejjem hallas kull taxxa.
Dawn ix-xalaturi ghandna hafna minnhom u kull profs jiddiletta jkun champion taghhom halli jiggustifika l-pozizzjoni politika tieghu li minnha jkun jista jgawdi hu a modo suo!!!
Mela naqbel li jitwahhlu dawn il-meters halli jekk ma tghalfux, is-servizz jinqata awtomatikament. Ghall-istess raguni ix-xalaturi dejjem raw kemm baqghalhom petrol fil-vettura taghhom. Meta hallewha vojta ma startjatx. Hekk dawn l-arloggi jekk ma thallasx taf li ser tibqa minghajr kurrent u ixghel il-lampa jekk fiha xi ftit pitrolju!!!!
a.dalli
Mar 20th 2010, 09:21
Prof Scicluna,
To add insult to injury you may want to inform the commiccion that the majority of maltese have not had a wage increase for the past five years at least.
lgalea
Mar 20th 2010, 09:12
Lil dawk l-apologisti Nazzjonalisti kollha li qed jikkritikaw lill-Prof Scicluna: Fejn qeghda l-kuxjenza taghkom lejn hutkom Maltin u Ghawdxin li ma jistghux ilahhqu mal-hajja tort ta' dal-Gvern bla kuxjenza?
Tafu li min qieghed ibati la hemm Laburist, la hemm Nazzjonalist u lanqas tal-Alternattiva imma qed ibatu KOLLHA dil-kefrija fis-seklu 21 u fi stat membru tal-ue?
Issa la jigi l-Papa morru igru fuq quddiem busulu idejgh. Imisskom tisthu. Din il-hniena li ghandkom ma' hutkom Maltin u Ghawdxin? Forsi xi darba tmiss lilkom imbaghad tkunu tafu x'jigifieri.
Lil dak li qal li fil-kostituzzjoni m'hemmx li d-dawl u l-ilma huma dritt fundamentali, taf li l-Prof irrefera ghar-regolamenti tal-eu jew inthom tikkwotaw u tridu tkunu fl-ue biss biex tilghaquha? Jew issa ma tridux li l-ligijiet tal-eu li forsi juru xi ftit hniena maz-zghir ikunu applikati f'Malta?
Bi kliemkom turu li ma tahmlux lill-fqar hutkom Maltin u Ghawdxin ghax inthom tinsabu tajjeb. Ara Martinelli l-ewwel wiehed ma jigix joqghod hawn Malta u jduq ftit mill-faqar li rega' hawn.
Matthew Borg
Mar 20th 2010, 17:34
I'm going to reply to you in English Galea (how does it feel to be called by your surname, ah?) because this is an article written in English.
If you read the article correctly again Galea, Prof. Scicluna said that "removing a basic human right like electricity is deplorable". Now Galea, it does not say anything to the extent that electricity is a human right, neither in the Maltese Constitution nor in the ECHR (look it up if you don't know what that stands for - as I wouldn't be surprised if you have no idea). Therefore Prof. Scicluna - making a mockery of his title as a Professor I guess - has no idea of what the law is in this sense.
Also, how do you classify poverty Galea? You for example have a computer and electricity yourself it seems, don't you now? Furthermore, especially if oil prices continue to rise, do you expect Joseph Muscat to reduce tariffs when he becomes PM? Or if he increases them will you complain too - at least you'll be consistent!
I expect answers Galea. For I and many others have_had_enough_of_your_talk_for_an_eternity!!
Anthony Mizzi
Mar 20th 2010, 06:13
Th Maltese Voice in Europe.
Thank You Professor Scicluna. You show you have a CARING HEART, more than can be said for him that inceases with zeal and "ALL HIS HEART the utility bills without any due consideration on the hardship on the peopl by HIS and his Cabinet's deficient adinistration.
j grech
Mar 20th 2010, 00:22
yes the slot meter should be fitted for the people in trouble, better still the key meter which is a plastic coded key you top it up like a cell phone card then push into the meter and it tells you how much credit you have so if come payday your meter shows you have for example 2.45 and you top up lets say 10.00 then your reading shows 12.45 in credit and you can see at a glance after or before using certain appliances how much you have so perhaps you have only 6.00 to last you 2 more days before next pay check then dont use the iron, and the keys if lost or stolen are no good to anyone else as only your meter code is on it, this is what we have in the uk, also the electricity board has to supply a certain amount of electric to familys in trouble who have under 5 year olds , over 60year olds, and disabled/handicap persons in the household, benifits are usually paid in the way of food vouchers and milk tokens and cannot be used to buy cigarettes or alcohol and cannot be sold
laurence schembri
Mar 19th 2010, 23:48
Joe Martinelli
Your main point in all your comment is simply to attack anything that is Labour.
Solutions are not sorted in this manner, I, like Paul Barrett have put a suggestion of slot-meters, `pay-as-you-go`, it is a good idea,in this way no one will accuse anyone (no matter how desperate they are) that they want something for free, The way you word your pieces, one would think that only Labour supporters have their W&E meters shut off, they come in all walks of life, believe you me.
M Cassar
Mar 19th 2010, 20:24
No one is saying everything should be free..but those who can't pay should have their situation and finances examined and a solution found, perhaps making small payments and limiting the electical appliances to crucial items such as a refrigerator etc. I'm sure there are other countries with such systems as mentioned earlier where abuse is checked but still a solution is found. A personal suggestion is to implement Tobin tax a modernised robin hood so that the greedy millionaires are made to pay some of their greedily collected money with the toil and sweat of the same workers who are struggling to keep up with life. Take from the rich and give to the poor indeed they have shown they are heartless so I will be also heartless towards them for being so greedy and seeing people as simply profits to make out of their blood.
A. Borg
Mar 19th 2010, 20:20
J Martinelli, Flus ghal backbenchers hemm u anke ghal Renzo Piano allura ghal dawn l-imsejkna tas-socjeta m'hemmx? Nghinu tant lil barranin u nhallu lil hutna maltin minghajr dawl u ilma? Nisthi li jien Malti li fis-sena 2010 l-ewropa kollha tisma talba bhal din minn MEP malti !
M Stellini
Mar 19th 2010, 20:03
Can you imagine what would happen with a policy of "Pay only if you want to!! - your supply is assured" ROFL. Enemalta must be having a fit!
J Martinelli
Mar 19th 2010, 19:48
Part2 If the itemized list contains items such as: tobacco, alcohol drinks and other inessentials, then, perhaps a change in style is required. This is not a NP government issue. This is a cost issue which cannot be painted red or blue. Prof. Scicluna, however, and since he chose to slant the issue a certain way, should gently and gingerly approach Joseph Muscat and ask him to fish or cut bait and inform him and the public what exactly he would do if ever he crosses the doors of Castille. Then and only then the voter can really judge the LP which is trying to convince the public to buy 'fish in the water', (jixtru l-hut fil-bahar). Joseph and his clan are following closely what their predecessor used to preach - vote us in and then you'll see! Yes we have been duped once, albeit for just 22 months, but the LP has a long, long way yet to credibility. P Schembri, I wouldn't bring up "Religio et Patria"if I were you, at this time when so many clamour for more separation of Church and State. How convenient it's become to use such arguments when it suits the Labourites!
J Martinelli
Mar 19th 2010, 19:44
In Utopia, electricity is free and so is water, food etc. Everything one wishes for, is a right. Like driving a car is a right, right? Don't think so! According to the government 97% of consumers are/will be receiving some sort of a rebate plus some 28,000 families are even now already receiving direct subsidies / credits for their electricity consumption. So, Prof. Scicluna is only telling the EU half-truths while ignoring the assistance in many forms the government is giving. In the usual LP crafty manner, a half truth repeated often enough, eventually will be taken as a truth by the naive and misinformed. One would have expected Prof. Scicluna to realize that electricity is not a human right as much as home ownership or owning a yacht are not or even owning a three piece suit. Prof. Scicluna so versatile and knowledgeable with figures should get those people who even after government assistance still will not pay their utility bills, to look at their budget, if they even know the meaning. Then he should teach them priorities like: food, clothing, rent, utility payments and the rest. Continued
R. Camilleri
Mar 19th 2010, 19:33
Maybe Prof Scicluna should mention the € 150 000 salary that each MEP has plus benefits plus pension. Aren't we paying these exorbitant salaries from our taxes! Maybe the MPs and MEPs should revise their salaries and make sure that those earning loads of money pay their taxes. Then there would be more to give to the poor.
M Cassar
Mar 19th 2010, 19:01
C.Busuttil well said my friend. You have shown that some on Pn's side still have a heart, unlike the other heartless lot.
C.camilleri
Mar 19th 2010, 18:56
P. Schembri
Mar 19th 2010, 18:27
@C. Busuttil. I'm a Labourite, and I known you're a PN by your writing here! We don't agree politically, but on this occasion I agree 100%. All those who pretend that they practise the PN ideology are grossly mistaken. The PN of today isn't the same PN of the 60's and 70's. Ideologically the PN has changed, even its soul! It is no longer "Religio et Patria" but opportunity and let's get rich quick! I'm sorry Mr. Busuttil, but that's what the present PN stands for! It's a shame even to the Party being called Nationalist! A Nationalist is someone whose country comes first and foremost, not the other way round!
R. Camilleri
Mar 19th 2010, 18:25
One should explain if those 2000 who lost their electricity service are actually residential! If so, considering 4 persons per houshold, that would amount to ~ 8000 persons in the dark! That is 2% of the maltese population! I find it a bit hard to believe.
C.Busuttil
Mar 19th 2010, 18:02
@G. Portelli Issa bili ghamilt akkuzi li jien influenzatt minn stazzjonijiet tat-Tv socjalisti sejjer hazin ghax jien nazzjonalist aktar milli qatt tista tkun int mhux f'din il-hajja imma trid erba ohra maghha. Biss jien mhux bhalek it-tajjeb nghidlu tajjeb u l-hazin hazin. Il-Prof Scicluna ghandu ragun f'din, ghax hawn minn ma jistax ihallas dawk il-kontijiet. Mhux bizzejjed li tilhaq certu benchmark biex ma thallas jew tkun exempted. Ta' kuljum jinholqu sitwazzjonijiet fejn proxxmu tieghek ma jkunx jista jhallas. U din tas-6% hija uzura xejn aktar xejn anqas. Imma mid-dehra tahseb li ghax nazzjonalist m'ghandiex nghid fejn qed issir hazin, hallina tridx ma bzajtx minn Lorry Sant etc etc ha noghqod lura llum Pero l-akbar hmerija hija din li qed thallsu l-kontijiet ta' haddiehor ghax int m'int thallas xejn izjed ta' hadd, jekk minghalik qed taghmel dan jidher li fimt xejn. Thallas ghal dak li thalli int u mhux ta' haddiehor NOT EVEN THE BASICS imbasta tfajt akkuzi biased. Biss mid-dehra ghandek bzonn ta' daqxen refresh tal-principju nisrani tal-partit dejjem jekk taqbel mall-principju nisrani tal-PN ghax jekk le filkaz dan il-partit mhux tajjeb ghalik.
Joseph E Briffa
Mar 19th 2010, 17:53
it would be very valid if we are told what kind of premises these 2 148 units are. Are they permanent residences or second dwellings used for the summer months, or garages, or other type of temporary dwellings? I have a feeling that they are not permanent homes, as Edward Scicluna says that the electricity supply was cut from January to October 2009; it's not possible for people to live without electricity supply in their homes for ten months at a stretch. One must therefore conclude that these premises are villegjatura or stand-alone garages or some dwellings like 'boathouses' which are used by some people as a temporary abode. And then what happened after October; have the people paid their bills and was electricity restored? If that is the case, why were the bills not settled regularly? Or did the people expect to be supplied with electricity and not pay for it like every other consumer?, I think these are all very valid questions, and unless we know the answers let's not start commiserating these people; perhaps they are the type who lead a parasitic existence and then use their money to buy boats and flashy cars.
g.c.Forte
Mar 19th 2010, 17:34
@ Lil P.N Apologisti.............Dak li tikkonsma int;; Dak li tuzha hazin int ;; Dak li tahli int , u dak kollu li int ghandek x`taqsam mieghu, IVA thallas ghalih INT. Pero li thallas ghal hela, inkompetenza, tberqiq bla razan, tmexxija hazina, abbuz u kull ma dak li int ma ghandekx x`tahti ghalih, LE mhux sew. Ghandu Ihallas min gabna f`din is-siwazzjoni. Il pjaga ilha gejja, u mhux kif qeghdin jippruvaw ibbellawha, ghax iz zejt gholi. Dan il gvern qatt ma kien bil ghaqal, u faddal ghal meta jigi l-gwaj. Kif tistaw tispjegaw li waqt li ghandna krizi bhal din ( li ghanke Mons Victor Grech tkellem dwara ) dan il gvern BLA qalb ser jahli l-fuq min 100 milljun ewro biex tghaddi ta ras iebsa li ghandu il P.M u f`siwazzjoni bhal din jibqa li irid jghamel il FROGA tal progett li ta lil Piano.
ACamilleri
Mar 19th 2010, 17:22
Dear Customer, Thank you for your enquiry. Kindly rest assured that we will do our utmost to get back to you with a reply, as soon as possible, so as to assist you in the best way possible. Thanks for your cooperation and understanding. Best Regards Customer Care ARMS Ltd. This is the automated response you get after making a complaint on tariffs at ARMS - After that absolutely nothing happens and if you complain again, you get the same automated message - SO MUCH FOR IMPROVEMENT AND CUSTOMER SERVICE!
Anthony Paris
Mar 19th 2010, 17:16
Rightly or wrongly there is a European law that protects vulnerable families from being denied electricity and water. If you do not agree with these laws then you should have not voted to join the EU. Now that we are members we need to abide by the economic, commercial, humanitarian and environmental EU laws. Unfortunately it seems that the very people that wanted full EU membership, are the ones who do not want to fully comply. So whether it's Christianity or European membership, we persist with our hypocrisy.
v mercieca
Mar 19th 2010, 16:57
@ Ronald Apap and the rest of his heartless regime...
Mr Apap, why don't our politicians do as those of Jordan? They all forfeited 20% of their salary for the reason you asked Profs Scicluna to do.
I can imagine Dr Gonzi; Dr Gatt and Mr Fenech fighting to be the first to have their salary reduced.
A. Borg
Mar 19th 2010, 16:52
Min ma jmurx fi djar tan-nies qatt ma jista jkun jaf kemm hawn faqar fil-pajjiz. Issa jekk dan il-faqar hux gej mill-vizjijiet jew mill-gholi tal-hajja jibqa l-fatt li l-innocenti qatt m'ghandhom ibaghtu. X;jahtu t-tfal li missierhom sakranazz? Allura issa naqtawllhom id-dawl?
Sirna insara tal-isem. Mhux kull min ihabbat fuq sidru kull nhar ta Hadd fil-quddies se jitla l-Genna u lanqas dawk li se jmorru jxejru lil Papa mhu se jkollhom access b'daqshekk imma dawk li jghinu lil dawn l-imsieken tas-socjeta. Ftakru li ikbar m'int ikbar is-sabta hbieb.
David Mizzi
Mar 19th 2010, 16:47
Ara kif spicca dal-pajjiz !!
Veru kaz ta' Par Idejn sodi !!!!
Gabuna b' id wahda quddiem u .....
laurence schembri
Mar 19th 2010, 16:23
Paul Barrett, you are perfectly correct, it has slipped my mind, slot-meters are the answer.
They are not expensive to install, In my younger days I have used them in digs all over London and if you are a little clever, by upping the charge in agreement with the company (at that time LEB) you can actually get a small rebate when money is collected. Good idea. Austin, are you listening.
J. Zammit
Mar 19th 2010, 16:18
2148 households!
Are these normal residential households?
Or: Are these EXTRA residences/units like garages, boathouses, a former derelict building in a deprived area which people want to hold on to, or a remote room in the countryside?
As for the real poor people, definitely it is our duty to help them, but not those who abuse the system.
As to identifying the real poor people, just consult the local parish priest or the teachers teaching at primary school level, especially the lower classes where innocent kids tell all..
LAWRENCE Fen ech
Mar 19th 2010, 15:36
Well said and done Mr. Scicluna.
G Cassar
Mar 19th 2010, 15:32
Dawn kollha li kitbu kontra dak li ghamel il-Profs., naturalment ghaliex huwa LP, kienu iffahruh kieku kien PN.
Mike Magri
Mar 19th 2010, 15:17
To ALL GonziPN Apologists.. YOU SHOULD ALL BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES....
Prof. Scicluna, as a True Socialist, is only trying to help US all Maltese and Gozitans alike, who thanks to the GonziPN Regime`s STUBORN and SAVAGE decisions taken, are falling nearer and nearer to Poverty, as our `take-home-pay` or Pension,, is being EATEN UP by a constant rise in the cost of living.. Ofcourse, because some of you PN hardliners know down deep in your gutters, that Prof Scicluna has made a great success in Brussells for the TRUE benefit of the Citizens of these Maltese Islands and its Citizens, you, JUST LIKE YOUR CAPO & CO., are trying, (unsuccessfuly i say), to undermine this success by going personal and / or even unethical...!! But ofcourse, a man of the calibre of Prof Scicluna will ignore such STUPIDITIES, and take you all as you really are.. A bunch of `IMSIEKEN`..!!
SOOO... YESSSS... PROF SCICLUNA... THANKS.. AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK... THE VAST MAJORITY IS WITH YOU..
G.Portelli
Mar 19th 2010, 15:48
Maybe your so called bunch of msieken are paying your electricity bill. This genius of prof scicluna tries to impress with his mathematics. Go and search for yourself the price of utilities in Europe and you 'll see for yourself how much they pay. in this country we have subsidized indiscriminately too much for too long.
laurence schembri
Mar 19th 2010, 15:04
Some arrangement can be reached, if government is willing. Let us not forget that the hike on meters by nearly 100% is an unjust tax, so is the hike on the price of Gas by 100% and more to come, when the price of Gas has gone down by 7% on the World Markets.
I always paid my dues, I can afford it, but please think of the part-time workers (their only job), the low paid and the unemployed. Had some of you below been in the same position, your comments would not appear on this column.
ROBERT HENRY BUGEJA
Mar 19th 2010, 15:03
@ Ronald Apap and the rest of his heartless regime...
Are you one of those who goes to church, sit in the first seat for everyone to see you and pray to good to forgive your sins???...What a hypocrisy!!!!.... By the way, you meantioned Ceaser, and you did good because your government is just another type of dictator like he was!!!
So much for your rhetoric about democracy... bla bla bla!
Paul Barrett
Mar 19th 2010, 15:02
One answer to help those that have found it difficult to pay their bills is to install pre-payment meters. The cost of electricity delivered through the meter being slightly higher than that being billed will then allow a recovery of the unpaid bill (or act as a savings box for those that have caught up with their unpaid bill). The user can then decide on their own priority. If then even more assistance is required, perhaps Social Service tokens that can be used in the meters by the family could be issued, rather than cash payments.
The meters would have to be regularly emptied by the utility company to make theft unattractive.
J. Mifsud
Mar 19th 2010, 14:43
@ Ronald Apap
If God Almighty had to treat us sinners like your goodself, then we are doomed. I sincerely hope you were brought up as a Catholic. If yes, then I do hope that you follow God's teaching. If in the negative, then what can I expect.....but negative acts!!!
We should never draw a line blindfoldedly. Sure, there are those who may have some blame on their shortcomings, but there are definitely others who are in dire straits due to no fault of theirs. There are a 101 things which can happen to a family. Disaster (e.g. sickness) can come across to anyone, when we least expect it.
If your financial state is strong right now, do count your blessings, but never ever throw others in the bin. God only knows what can happen to you or your family in the future. The I am sure you expect solidarity from others.
Ronald Apap
Mar 19th 2010, 14:11
nathing comes for free. MOreover those who cannot pay are now 30,000 for whom it is us who are paying for them. Instead of wasting his money in Brussells and in Strasbourg May I suggest to this professor to give (like a socialist should do) to the poor all the money he is getting for being an MEP thanks to the nationalist government who made us members of the eu. Yes electricity should be suspended to those who are not paying what belongs to Cesare'..
C.Busuttil
Mar 19th 2010, 13:56
@Jane Bartolo, S. Frendo etc etc
Kif ma tisthux, dan mhux kaz ta' minn ma hallasx b'kapricc imma ghax mghandux mezzi biex jaghmel hekk. Ghax intom tistaw thallsu mhux kulhadd jista. Hawn minn ghandu problemi kbar u skond ir-ragunar bazwi taghkom dawn in-nies ghandhom imutu bil-guh sempliciment ghax intom qeghdin f'posizzjoni finanzjarja ahjar minnhom. Tghidux li ntom nazzjonalisti ghax
fejn huma l-principji nsara tal-partit ? jaqaw mghadhomx aktar validi ghax l-ewwel jigu l-flus u mhux il-bnedmin. Nisthi nghid li hawn nazzjonalisti bhalkom nisthi tassew. Il-partit taghna qatt ma kien ihaddan fih mentalita daqshekk egoista u mhux tort ta' Dr. Gonzi imma ta' nies bla valuri li qeghdin joqtlu l-partit sempliciment ghax huma jistaw ihallsu jigu jaqaw u jqumu minn haddiehor. Kieku kien ghalija nkeccikom mill-partit ghax b'nies bhalkom ma tmur inkien u mhux ta' gieh ghall-partit li tkun parti minnhu.
Fil-pajjiz hawn minn ghandu problemi u dan mhuwa tort ta' ebda gvern jew partit imma bil-mentalita egoista taghkom lesti thallu dawn in-nies imutu ghax il-problemi taghhom ma jolqtux lilkom. Xi draba kulhadd jista jigi bzonn kulhadd, ahjar tnehhu dan is-superiority complex li bosta saru jahsbu li ghandhom fuq bnedmin bhalhom.
G.Portelli
Mar 19th 2010, 14:28
Min ma jistax ihallas mhux ihallas u jien l-ewwel wiehed qed inhallas ghalih. Hallina xbin u nehhi dak il-kappestru li poggewlek quddiem ghajnejk. Qed tara wisq ahbarijiet ta certu stazzjon.
pmagri
Mar 19th 2010, 13:51
Xi ftit mill-kummenti li hawn miktuba ghandhom veru valuri insara!!! Ajma hej, mur gibu tigi bzonnkom!!!
Tony Mangion
Mar 19th 2010, 13:42
That's why I am happy to be an E.U. member, as somebody is looking after my rights, and what makes me happier is that I have the likes of Profs Scicluna that is on a constant watch on me so as not to be abused of by my own Government.
M cassar
Mar 19th 2010, 13:40
Well done ..show Europe what a shameful party Pn has become by deceitfully trying to picture Malta all rosy when in fact they are turning it in a 3rd world country with flagrant corruption!!! If the prices where not a ripoff these families would have afforded the bills.
J Micallef
Mar 19th 2010, 13:37
Instead of wasting time working against Malta inside the EP, Prof SCicluna should find out how these families cannot afford to pay their electricity, but then manage to go to coffee mornings every week, buy lotto tickets every weekend, buy flashy cars and maximize the amount of gold necklaces they wear. Sciciluna would be more effective if he educates these people to set their priorities right for the sake of their own families and kids.
simon vella
Mar 20th 2010, 22:55
Prof Scicluna mhux jahli l-hin qieghad imma jideffendi u jisalvagwardja lil min qed fil-poverta. Il-lezzjoni tal-prijoritajiet messu jtija min kien jejd li l-flus mhux problema u min ghamel id-dejn u qal li jhallsuh uliedna. Ghaldaqstant il-poplu ma tantx ha lezzjonijiet tajba mill gvern tieghu ghax lanqas hu ma jaf jghamilhom il-prijorijiet tieghu.
Wayne Criggs
Mar 19th 2010, 13:32
My question is simple:
If any of the electricity disconnects happened because a vulnerable family couldn't seriously cope with the prices and tariffs...
should the authorities take measures to protect the family (more than just the help given for the first year)?
I believe that the weakest should be helped first. That is, if it is proven that there are families which are in a level of energy poverty, yes, they have to be protected.
A/.Fenech
Mar 19th 2010, 13:26
What does the Govt. care of 49% of the population. And some 25% on the otherside!!
Not enough people to make a noise to stop this upsurge of cost of living. But of course its quite alright and permissable to spend some 80 million on this idea of Piano and make another gaffe of the City, same as the present bridge.
Carmel Cilia
Mar 19th 2010, 13:23
Profs Scicluna is more than right in fighting for the consumers right. and this according toCaritas Malta
Mr. Charles sammut. Mr Martinelli and jane Bartolo should note that the increase in utiility tarifs is not solely connected with the increase in oil. That is waht their representatives are putting down their troat. May I point out that a small one car garage received a bill for 145 euros of which only 33 euros were for electricity consumption the rest that is nearly 120 euros was the rent of a forty year old water meter and electricity meter.
No my friends the game is up the hike in prices is going to make good for the negligence of yout party in government. You should know that the power station built by your ex saintly prime minister has still not been paid for, \thats for diligence. When Dr. Sant tried to regulate the enemalta deficit back in1997 your party and its allies cried the wolf saying that the price of oil was very cheap. They conveniently forgot to mention the debt with which the P.N. in government was killing our ilsand.
Issa min xarbu kielu il- bakkaljaw hbieb.
Muscat Pat
Mar 19th 2010, 13:20
So these people who have put Profs Scicluna to task really think that electrcity supplies were disconnected from villas,and urban houses in towns and villages? I would freak out with disconnected energy supplies and so would you. The truth is that as CARITAS reported this week, a large number of Maltese people are becoming poorer day by day; a phenomenon that we have not seen since the 60's. The welfare net that has been dilegently woven by a generation of Labour Governments is being shredded into tatters. The "hala" and "il-hofra hrafa" syndrome are claiming their first victims. Unfortunately, it is not those responsible for this scandaly who are going to suffer, but the future generation of PN cocooned poor!
A. Borg
Mar 19th 2010, 13:16
L-importanti issa li f'April immorru inxejru lil Papa, Jien naf familja li qataghulha d-dawl ghax ma kelliex minn fejn thallas. Kif tista thallas din l-omm bi tlett itfal li tilfet lil zewgha wara marda kiefra. Ix-xi haga li kellha nefqithom biex forsi jghix u issa spiccat tghix bir-relief li zgur ma jservux biex ittellgha tlett itfal ikoll zghar. X'taghmel din il-povra mara ? Kif it-tfal jorqdu tmur f'kantuniera Albert Town il-Marsa? F'Malta sirna "I'm alright... you Sam."
lyn nobbs
Mar 19th 2010, 13:13
In England we are having to pay high costs too but many pay monthly by direct debit from their bank. This spreads the cost over 12 months and makes things much easier.
J Oatmon
Mar 19th 2010, 13:11
Normally if you use the utilities you pay for them, except in very exceptional circumstances.
It is a simple thing to understand - if all the power used is paid for by everyone the costs are shared equally. If some people get special treatment and reduced rates, or simply do not pay, then all those that do pay have to pay higher bills to make up for the shortfall - there is no ,free lunch,, someone has to pay.
If people claim hardship (not enough money to feed their kids decently) while standing at the bar drinking nearly every day, then they should pay their bills instead of buying booze - if they don't then we that pay finish up with higher bills.
A. Borg
Mar 19th 2010, 13:08
2,148 households were disconnected from electricity and this does not worry you"
In my mind comes the children and the elderly ones without electricity in the cold days of winter and this does not worry you? Are you Christians or at least humans or are you all "Oqbra Imbajda"?
We are ready to help those in needs in Guatamala,Peru and Chile and we're forgetting the ones we have at home! Dear Government Charity begins at home!
Denis Catania
Mar 19th 2010, 19:49
Well said.
edward bartolo
Mar 19th 2010, 13:01
The problem is, that many were used to a higher standard of living, and cannot continue to sustain it. The financial means have to come from somewhere, because, generating electricity, consumes fuel, requires professionals working 24 hrs a day, has maintenance costs, etc.
The solution, in my humble opinion lies, in allowing these families a minimum of units per month, based on their means. This is because, unfortunately, there are many, who don't have the will power to control their own consumption.
Matthew Borg
Mar 19th 2010, 12:59
While Prof. Scicluna's 'concern' is admirable, perhaps he needs a crash course in Maltese Constitutional Law because nowhere is it mentioned that electricity is a basic human right.
The only way that that could POSSIBLY be argued is that without electricity, one is deprived of the right to property, but thereagain, it's a far-fetched situation to see that being argued successfully.
jsaliba
Mar 19th 2010, 12:45
How happy we all would be had the learned honourable Scicluna found/suggested a way by which we maltese do not pay for water and electricity. Or else suggest how can one make citizens pay, at least, their due.
S Frendo
Mar 19th 2010, 12:45
U hallina profs! sewwa eh?! U min jaghmel sagrificcju u joqghod lura minn certu affarijiet biex ihallas il kont fil hin? x'jaghmel?
mario aquilina
Mar 19th 2010, 12:43
No wonder that the illegal immigrants want to run away from here. They left one poor country, to end up in another.
Joseph Cauchi
Mar 19th 2010, 12:40
I always believed that Enemalta should NEVER disconnect and suspend its energy supply to third parties, irrespective of whether the bills have been paid or not.
Energy supply is a basic HUMAN RIGHT.
Every citizen should be guaranteed a regular supply of energy, albeit limited, in order to provide for at least the bare essentials; but never the COMPLETE suspension of the service.
Well done Profs. Scicluna, I admire your effort in this field.
JC
Jane Bartolo
Mar 19th 2010, 12:38
Electricity is not a human right! Pay your bills and you won't be disconnected!!
J Martinelli
Mar 19th 2010, 12:36
What Prof. Scicluna did not clarify is that:
"...2,148 households were disconnected from electricity between January and October last year" - is well before the tariffs rose.
"...growing number of Maltese families being disconnected from electricity following the recent hike in utility tariffs"- this lacks information regarding the number and why.
"...required member states to protect vulnerable customers" - that the State already assists vulnerable customers via subsidies and credits.
If the utility continues to supply electricity to nonpaying customers, then those who pay their bills on time are further penalized by subsidizing those who will not! With so many customers not paying their bills even after government assistance, Prof. Scicluna implies that it is more advantageous to become a delinquent Enemalta customer since no one will come and disconnect the service!
It is honourable to stand up for the disadvantaged, but to further empower them to consume without paying and at the same time guarantee them an uninterrupted use of what they do not pay for, is irresponsible.
Charles Sammut
Mar 19th 2010, 12:23
What pure unadulterated socialist logic! I hope that "Prof." Scicluna will never get anywhere near dictating economic matters in real life.
Since EU policy does not allow governments to subsidise utilities, how does he propose that utility companies balance their books if they start allowing people to get away with not paying bills? The burden will undoubtedly fall on those who are honest enough to pay. And they will have tp pay for their consumption and that of defaulters. One has to be a "Prof." to come up with such brainwaves.
How do you to protect vulnerable families without effectively subsidising tariffs or penalising honest, bill and tax paying citizens? But that's Eurocracy for you, iriduha tqila, tredda u jekk jista jkun, vergni wkoll!