Enemalta is pledging to introduce a quality service charter to come into line with other European countries where consumers have a right to claim compensation in cases of power blackout.

Questions on consumer rights and the legal obligations of Malta’s sole energy provider were raised in the wake of the recent nationwide blackout.

Though the government announced it would award a token compensation of €25 for households that were without power for 12 hours or more, questions were raised on the criteria adopted. No compensation was given to businesses.

In the UK, the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets stipulates that if the blackout exceeds 18 hours, domestic users can claim a minimum of £50 (€62.56), while the minimum claim for non-domestic customers is of £100 (€125). An additional £25 (€31.28 for each further 12 hours of the duration of the blackout may be also claimed.

The Guaranteed Standards also give customers the right to claim for compensation in a variety of other circumstances.

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