‘We have a roadmap’
PL candidate Konrad Mizzi is compiling the energy policy for Labour’s manifesto ahead of the forthcoming general election. He tells Christian Peregin that electricity prices will be reduced through a proper conversion from oil to gas.
Profile
Name: Konrad Mizzi
Age: 34
Profession: Energy consultant
District: 4
Residence: Paola
Status: Married
What’s your background and how did you become a Labour candidate?
I have led major initiatives in Malta and the UK, focusing on energy, investment promotion, telecommunications and complex government change. Now I feel it is time to run for Parliament as I have enough leadership experience to contribute in a big way.
How did you start?
I worked in the Management Efficiency Unit at the Office of the Prime Minister from 1997 until 2002. I led the first private-public partnership in Malta, which was the landscaping and embellishment project on roundabouts. It was successful and is still going on today, 10 years down the line.
When I completed that project, people realised I had a good track record in delivery – I am actually a doer – and I was asked to join the team setting up Malta Enterprise.
After 2004, I joined Enemalta as chief information officer and am proud to say that during my tenure we were focusing on gas.
Why did you choose Labour?
I was always progressive and Labour-leaning. I think Labour made a lot of inroads with Joseph Muscat.
(Ex-Prime Minister) Eddie Fenech Adami’s biggest strength was his ability to use everybody’s strengths: seeing the good in a person and using him in the best way.
I think Labour has made big strides forward in this respect and Dr Muscat is a great team builder.
Did you live in Malta in the 1980s? What do you remember of the Mintoff days?
I was a kid so my recollection is very limited. I think Dr Fenech Adami summarised it well. On balance, Mr Mintoff did more good than bad.
The journey between 1970 and 1979 was quite remarkable – he transformed the country from a naval base to a diverse...
Were you less impressed by the 1980s?
Like everybody else, yes. When a Government gets tired and loses the grip on its team, things go downhill and I think that is what is happening at the moment to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.
What was it that struck you about Alfred Sant’s leadership?
Dr Sant had very good intentions. His biggest challenge was that he couldn’t really focus on his priorities.
Now, I think we’ve got the right mix: a strong leader, the right vision, and good plans in place. When we actually publish the electoral manifesto I think you will be quite impressed.
Are you privy to the electoral manifesto?
Yes, I’m working on the energy policy.
If George Borg Olivier worked towards Independence, Eddie Fenech Adami towards democracy and EU membership, what is Joseph Muscat’s vision?
The next step is to be among the best in Europe and I am slightly frustrated with this legislature as I think they are lost years. The Government lacked vision and leadership.
You say we should be “the best in Europe”. Isn’t that a bit far-fetched?
It is a long-term vision. But remember what happened in 1971.
What exactly do you mean by “the best in Europe”?
We will have the highest political standards in Europe and will not tolerate any corruption. Standards of behaviour that have been accepted under a Nationalist Administration will not be accepted by Dr Muscat. If one of his ministers acts improperly, he will be out the next day.
We also need a better environment to attract investors. With our electricity rates, the message we are sending to investors is: don’t come here.
The World Economic Forum’s global competitiveness report found Malta is the most profitable investment area in Europe.
In sectors like financial services, iGaming and e-Betting, yes. My biggest worry is that those sectors don’t represent a big portion of employment within our country.
You are quite critical of the Government’s handling of the economy, but many would argue it is its greatest achievement.
Many people follow that Government spin, but if you look at the figures we are actually struggling.
The budget deficit has increased but I am more worried about the debt figures. Government debt has risen to €40,000 per family and that excludes debt on Enemalta and Air Malta.
How does that compare to other European countries? Malta is not in a situation like many of its European counterparts. Doesn’t that say something about the Government’s competence in economics?
We did not have a banking crisis because we have a strong banking system but we have spent beyond our means and unless the budget deficit is controlled over a period of time – we will be going in that direction.
It is worth highlighting that most of the debt was created under (Prime Minister Lawrence) Gonzi.
Are you saying we’re on the same path as many other European countries but just haven’t reached that point?
We are on that path unless we change direction. While parts of the economy are doing well, other areas, like manufacturing, construction and real estate, are not.
One of Labour’s major promises is to reduce water and electricity rates. As one of Dr Muscat’s advisers in this field and someone working on the manifesto, how can this be done?
We need to start from the premise that we are paying among the highest tariffs in Europe. I get slightly annoyed when Gonzi says he doesn’t have control over the tariffs because of international pricing issues.
My view is that the current tariffs structure is a consequence of choices and decisions taken by Gonzi’s Administration.
They had clear advice, back in 2006, to go for gas but they did not.
The Government has now said it will move towards gas.
But the Government’s choice during this legislature was to go for heavy fuel oil.
Are the tariffs going to decrease because of the decision to go for gas?
The tariffs can decrease firstly by converting the power station and building a gas infrastructure. Just look at the gas prices compared with fuel prices and conversions over the next 10 years...
We also have a number of proposals for alternative technology.
Such as?
Solar is going to be one of the technologies that we will push really hard.
The Government has a target to reach 10 per cent renewable by 2018. The actual date is 2020 but things need to be in place by 2018.
Will you help to install solar panels on every house?
There is going to be an intensive push on the domestic front but there will also be a push on brownfield sites and the use of Malta’s industrial parks: roofs which are ideally structured to actually position that.
Alternative energy is more expensive than fossil fuels. How will that translate into lower tariffs?
The transition to gas will ensure the reduction in price. The baseload, the 90 per cent generation, will be composed of two components, one being gas and the rest coming from the interconnector from Italy.
Also, we need to look at Enemalta’s efficiency and procure fuel more strategically. Currently, Enemalta buys on tender.
We need to look at the way France and other countries procure electricity by having a strategic partnership with national oil companies of other countries to have stable prices. There are many things that can be done.
Isn’t this what the Government is already doing? How does this count as Labour’s main electoral pledge?
No, no, the Government has decided to go for heavy fuel oil. The Government does not have an energy policy. It is going round in circles. We have a roadmap.
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In Discussion
29 Comments
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Andre` Vella
Nov 8th 2012, 15:25
Sound missing!
Joseph Sant
Sep 28th 2012, 20:43
Konrad Mizzi, I have an idea how to make electricity FREE- I mean totally free without needing to add taxes etc..
The solution is as follows and is based on simple statistics:
Disclaimer: This will only work for approx. 2 years and then it would need to be revised.
1. The first 300 Units per month would be free + meter rental free. (Water on similar lines but only 2 units per month)
2. The cost for all units between 300 and 500 will cost 25cents not 16c like it is today plus you would also need to pay meter rental.
3. The cost for all units beyond 500 units will cost 40c.
This exponential increase in cost will ensure that who wastes will subsidies those who waste less (who in many cases will be the lower class families)
The numbers may need some tweaking but PL can state that they made electricity totally free for everyone rich or poor without exception and PN cannot state otherwise.
Victor Vella
Sep 24th 2012, 09:50
From where he brought this road map? From Harvard?
V. Cauchi
Sep 24th 2012, 04:17
One: Has anyone else, before Lorenzo Piano, considered digging for geothermal energy? We apparently sit on loads of underground heat, given our geographical position, and tapping it from land might be more feasible than striking oil at sea.
Two: CSP, or Concentrated Solar Power directed at a chemical laden heat-producing pillar, need not be set up only in a desert or on plain land. Reflecting mirrors can also be computer-directed onto the pillar in our undulating areas, valleys and quarries. Anyone thought of going deeper into the idea?
Three: If certain alternative energy projects are considered to be too low-energy producing by national government, has any local council ever thought of starting projects on its own, for use in common areas or perhaps even billing households as an energy company in a non-monopolistic society?
Mary Ann Borg
Sep 23rd 2012, 23:34
This Roadmap buzzword is all that Labour seems to muster at present. Too bad that in this day and age they still go for roadmaps. Perhaps PN can offer Labour a set of compass and divider to help them out. PN doesnt use roadmaps anymore as they were discarded years ago. PN uses SATNAV nowadays and is already looking for an even more modern navigating system. Because it is PN that is the engine for change. Change from old buses to new, from Shipbuilding to modern yacht facilities, from Deserta chocolate to the widest possible range of food, from B&W TVs to LCDs, from old airport terminal to new terminal, from old friends like Gaddafi and Caucescu to equal partners within the EU, from old Dardir Malta to numerous radio and TV stations, from old Skodas and Ladas to BMW's and Volvos. And the list continues..........
H. Galea (NRK)
Sep 23rd 2012, 23:17
What is this roadmap ? is it something like Via Crucis .... jigifieri kif ser isallbuna ?
P Mangion
Sep 23rd 2012, 23:05
This guy talks sense...he must be the future energy minister. If we don't take this energy matter seriously we'll soon end up in a total blackout missing on all other projects as energy is indispensable.
Alfred Falzon
Sep 23rd 2012, 22:41
A "roadmap" that will lead to Babel!!
That's for running with the hare and hunting with the hound!
The Workers' Unions have spoken against the wage freeze proposed by Joseph Muscat, the Employers' Union is backing him. Who will now prevail?!
Come on, Dr Joseph Muscat, is it heads or tails?!!
King Solomon to the rescue, this time brandishing the white PL shroud in exchange for the red banner!!
Alfred A. Falzon
J CamilleriJC
Sep 23rd 2012, 22:12
To all the 'blue' people who are commenting, how can you all people post such comments like 'road to nowhere" ? Have you seen the manifesto or you are kind of prophets? I'm sure PL is quite responsible in what words he's using and you cannot judge him before the manifesto is printed. Or maybe you want to know their plans so you can get some fresh ideas? Cause all GonziPN is saying is that he is going to continue what he's doing......and trust me, most of it it's really bad!
Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO
Sep 23rd 2012, 20:45
Konrad Mizzi is one of the most hardworking and intelligent persons I have ever met and taught. He is a true action man who does not talk about success but actually achieves it. I full endorse his candidature as a real asset to Maltese politics. We shall hear a lot about him in future.
A. Schembri
Sep 23rd 2012, 19:49
this guy talks sense...not surprised if he is energy minister
John Azzopoardi
Sep 23rd 2012, 20:32
they all start that way until they become too egoistic and power goes through their head. And I mean most politicians
Damian Testa
Sep 23rd 2012, 22:04
He still didn't answer the question as to how and by how much will labour reduce the tariffs. He just waffled on and on about policies and roadmaps. More hot air than gas.
Peter Agius
Sep 23rd 2012, 22:21
hey....what about Joe Mizzi??
Philip Hili
Sep 24th 2012, 00:30
@ A. Schembri
Oh!! yes, he talks sense!!! Ma naghamlux moghod li hu tah xi parir kif ghandu jnaqqas il-kontiojiet tad-dawl u ta' l-ilma hux??!!!!
Pippo Giuliano
Sep 23rd 2012, 19:33
It is a breath of fresh air that PL are planning to tackle issues which have been worrying the Maltese population for so long. One of these problems being the water and electricity rates. What gives me hope for the future is that these issues are being tackled seriously by professional people who have track record on these matters both in our country and abroad.
pippo giuliano
Robert Balzan
Sep 23rd 2012, 19:08
The PL have fielded a very strong team. People like Dr Konrad Mizzi have the leadership experience to deliver change, that is so desperately needed. I was impressed by how he came across when watching his documentary on TV as well as by the number of expert endorsements given by very senior leaders from overseas.
john muscat
Sep 23rd 2012, 19:07
Mr. Mizzi looks to be a valuable asset to a new government.
Denis Pace
Sep 23rd 2012, 19:00
A leap into the unknown..................Vote Labour!
Eddy Privitera
Sep 23rd 2012, 20:31
Denis: this gives you a hint of the new, capable people Dr. Muscat has around him !
Pippo Giuliano
Sep 23rd 2012, 18:59
It is a breath of fresh air that the PL are planning to tackle issues which have been worrying the Maltese population for so long. One of these problems being the water and electricity rates. What gives me hope for the future is that these issues are being tackled seriously by professional people who have a proven track record both in our country and abroad.
Pippo Giuliano
David Gauci
Sep 23rd 2012, 18:24
Maybe its more a Road To Nowhere than a Roadmap.
J Martinelli
Sep 23rd 2012, 15:00
"...electricity prices will be reduced through a proper conversion from oil to gas".
What Konrad Mizzi did not clearly spell out is that there is no infrastructure in place to make such a conversion any time soon. In other words, even if plans were already in place, funding is found, permits issued, land for such a facility is located and the site not opposed by the residents of the South, and safety measures taken, it will be years before such a conversion takes place. So, the idea that some people have that the next day Joseph is elected, the rates will fall, is sheer fantasy. It is more probable that upon the inter-connector with Sicily comes on stream, the rates will be minimally reduced and/or, at least Enemalta will be in a break-even position regarding revenue and cost of operating the power stations.
Joseph is in a vote-catching mode and has been since he was elected leader of the Labour Party and will have much to answer for to his own supporters, should he be elected PM but finds it impossible to deliver the dreams. The NP has been saying all along that reality is, that even at the higher rates, Enemalta is paying more for fuel than it collects from consumers. Joseph does not control oil prices, so his costs will not be any different than what the world market demands.
It looks to me that the 'road-map' Labour has leads to nowhere and is subject to change from day to day and may include a few planned U-turns, 'just in case'.
Mr Anthony Briffa
Sep 24th 2012, 05:57
We have another dreamer here. He forgot to add the floating power station to the mix.
I ask this doer, how can the new power station be run on gas when there is no infrastructure to receive and store gas. In such circumstances the first phase of running the power station had to be on oil. The next priority is the inter-connector, and then gas after the building of the necessary infrastructure.
Can this doer tell us mortals whether in his energy road map he has identified what is the gas storage capacity required to ensure a continuous supply for the running of the power station. Maybe it will have to be the first reclamation project of Joe Muscat to create space for the storage farm.
.
John Azzopoardi
Sep 23rd 2012, 13:17
Roadmap has been out there for ever which is mainly ususally used by companies and politicians alike. However, roadmaps, if they are not realistic or doable, are just a plan on paper only.
paul camilleri
Sep 23rd 2012, 11:02
i hope they are not using the new apple iphone!!!!!
Joe Scerri
Sep 23rd 2012, 10:31
Do you need a GPS just in case youy get lost?
Mr Joe Borg
Sep 23rd 2012, 10:24
There's a new buzz word in town, ROADMAP.
Mr Edward Caruana Galizia
Sep 23rd 2012, 22:15
Hopefully not an iphone 5 style one.
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