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.