Scicluna calls on Commission to investigate Maltese 'energy poverty'
Labour MEP Edward Scicluna has called on the European Commission to investigate reports that Maltese families entitled to social support are being denied energy coupons to help meet their electricity bills unless they can pay their bills in full.
In a statement, Prof Scicluna said energy poverty in Malta was a serious problem that was getting worse.
"At a time when we have over 100 families who have their energy supply disconnected every month, we hear that some of our most vulnerable people are even being denied energy coupons to help pay instalments of their bills."
Prof Scicluna also asked the Commission what information it had received from the Maltese authorities relating to the energy situation.
In May last year, Prof Scicluna asked if the government was in breach of the Energy Directive, which requires Malta and all other EU countries to look after the energy security of vulnerable customers. In response, the Commission said that it would contact the Maltese authorities for more information on the situation. Since then, over 5,500 households have suffered power disconnections.
"Last year the Commission told me that they would seek information on the situation from EneMalta and the government. Given that energy poverty in Malta's continues to worsen I want to know what information was provided and whether the Commission will investigate," the MEP said.
"Since 2008 nearly 5% of all Maltese homes have had their electricity disconnected. This disconnection rate is very high for an EU country and it is unacceptable."
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Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO
Sep 21st 2011, 21:18
It is quite cruel to deny electricity and water to a family which is unable to pay its utility bills. On the other hand many of such families are ignorant of the high cost of energy and waste power and consequently run high bills which they cannot afford to pay. I believe that now with smart meters enemalta has the possibility to limit the amount of electricity load it allows a household in default to utilise.
Persons in default should be allowed sufficient electricity for normal living . They should be able to light a couple of light bulbs and use a small cooker and fridge and a weekly wash as well as a fan in summer and single element heater in winter . They cannot expect the taxpayer to support waste or luxury through the operation of airconditioners, heaters or other appliances.
The alternative is to supply them with coin meters as was the case in the UK in tougher economic as well as in student digs in which I used to live. With coin meters such defaulters would soon learn as I did how to ration their energy use.
Mr Joseph Apap
Sep 21st 2011, 19:32
Out of the 5,500 how many are still disconnected
Those who have been reconnected must have paid their bills
How many of them were families living below the poverty line
Mr Scicluna should substantiate
Victor Vella
Sep 21st 2011, 17:25
uzguuuuuuuuurrr li naqtawlhom id dawl, ,l aktar jekk ghandhom xi kemza flus mohbijja id dar biex ikunu jistaw jiehdu ir relief, and pray tell me Profs, how many families have had thier electricity supply disconnected and canot afford re connection?
mario gellel
Sep 21st 2011, 19:02
Faqqartuh u qtiltuh bil-guh lil poplu Malti, sraqtulu gildu u issa gibtuh SKAJV, ja ipokriti regime PN
Giovann Demartino
Sep 23rd 2011, 05:45
Sewwa qal Mario Gellel. In-nies qeghdin jaqghu mejtin bil-guh fit toroq. Dawn ikunu jafu x'qeghdin jiktbu jew? Ejjew arawhom il-Mosta l-airconditioners ta' dawn "il-foqra" jahdmu 24 siegha kuljum.
Mr Denis Pace
Sep 21st 2011, 15:48
Electioneering....
Everyone knows that low-income families' energy bills are heavily subsidised by taxpayers. The others who can but don't cannot pretend to have the same assistance.
We are NOT a bottomless pit. One day the bubble will explode.
I don't take notice of such declarations by JM and his merry men. If they are elected, I am sure they will change their tune. Being in opposition with no responsibilities is a far cry from being in government and managing the country's finances.
Mr Jo Camm
Sep 21st 2011, 14:42
X'inhu mghaggel il-Profs. Ghax ma jistenniex ftit iehor sakemm ikun hemm Joseph fit-tmun u jirranga kollox kif wieghed.
Ms Rose Cilia
Sep 21st 2011, 15:23
Int min qallek li se jkun hemm Joseph? Mela ma smajtux lil Wistin jghid li l-PN baqalhom 20 sena ohra fil-gvern?
Mr Jo Camm
Sep 21st 2011, 18:35
Ms Cilia, lill Austinat ma tantx nemmnu jiena. Wara kollox 20 sena mhux malajr jghaddu bhalma ghaddew il-25 sena ta' qabilhom?
Tony Mangion
Sep 21st 2011, 14:03
Am I to understand that as from May 2010 the EU commission is still thinking of seeking information on the situation from EneMalta and the Maltese Government?