The government has raked in some €10 million so far from the penalties paid by consumers who tampered with their smart meters, Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi said yesterday.

Consumers who used tampered smart meters were given a six-week deadline to come forward with information on who supplied them with the meters and pay a fine and their dues.

The scheme is now entering its final week.

“I appeal to all those who tampered their smart meters to regularise themselves. If they don’t, we are working on ensuring that the penalties will be much harsher,” Dr Mizzi warned.

We are trying to dig deep – we want to retrieve the stolen money

He said that while there had been two convictions of Enemalta employees, more arraignments were expected in the coming weeks.

“We are trying to dig deep – we want to retrieve the stolen money. Over 6,000 files were left pending from the previous administration detailing electricity thefts. We have sent for the first 200 consumers to cut down the backlog.”

Mr Mizzi was addressing a press conference yesterday on the new electricity rates for domestic and residential consumers that will come into effect today.

Consumers are set to benefit from a 25 per cent reduction in electricity tariffs and a five per cent reduction in water tariffs.

In the first two weeks of April, some households will be receiving bills with the old tariffs (prior to March 31).

From mid-April onwards, consumers will be receiving crossover bills detailing the payment for electricity consumed prior to March 31 and the new reduced tariffs applicable to electricity consumed from March 31 onwards.

The government, Dr Mizzi said, was aiming to ensure that all the readings of meters belonging to Maltese and Gozitan families would be taken in April and May so that consumers will receive one crossover bill to avoid confusion.

The reduced tariff rates will be segregated into bands: consumers will be paying 35 per cent less on the first 2,000 units consumed and 25 per cent less on the next 4,000 units.

This, the Minister added, will encourage consumers not to waste electricity.

“We feel that families shouldn’t be burdened by excessive tariffs when compared to the rest of Europe. The reduced tariff rates will allow them more disposable income.”

Eco-reductions will remain in place while consumers who are entitled to energy benefit vouchers will still enjoy the reductions.

Asked whether Enemalta employees will be retaining their jobs, Dr Mizzi said that while some employees could be seconded with the private operator (Electrogas, the company that will supply electricity and gas to the corporation) they will still be retained on Enemalta’s books.

Employees will be given the opportunity to work abroad through Energy Service Centre (the entity that will provide personnel for work on power plants abroad) but will not be obliged to do so. If the required minimum is not met, external calls will be issued.

“We have always insisted that the guarantee that Enemalta employees will retain their job is a sacred condition. It will be respected.”