The rising cost of energy, be it electricity or fuel for transport, is having a great effect on the Maltese lifestyle, according to a special Eurobarometer survey published in Brussels.
Focusing on energy, the survey, conducted by TNS Europe in Malta last month, shows the Maltese have become the biggest energy savers in the EU.
A total of 87 per cent said they have tried to cut down on the use of lighting and electrical appliances in their homes over the last 12 months. Meanwhile, 68 per cent said they were using their air conditioning units or heating systems less to lower energy bills.
On both fronts, a higher proportion of Maltese are trying to lower their electricity usage than in any of the other 26 member states.
The results show an increase of 16 per cent from 2006 in the number of people trying to reduce their use of lighting and electrical appliances in their home, while the number of those cutting down on the use of air conditioners and heating systems increased by 21 per cent.
As the price of fuel at petrol stations is also rising, many are also trying to use their cars less. Some 15 per cent of Maltese said they have tried to cut down on the use of their cars in the past 12 months, an increase of six per cent over 2006. Although this is still higher than the EU average, where only 14 per cent said they have reduced their vehicle use over the past year, other Europeans have made a bigger effort, particularly the Luxembourgers (30 per cent), Germans and Swedes (26 per cent).
Some 19 per cent of Maltese respondents said they have taken measures to cut down the consumption of electricity at their workplace during the past year, compared to the seven per cent EU average.
Some 59 per cent said the government should help people through more tax incentives and subsidies for the installation of energy-saving systems, such as solar panels and solar water heaters. This option is much preferred over the installation of smart meters (37 per cent) or more competition among electricity providers (36 per cent).
And a total of 83 per cent think the government should help families who face difficulties with specific tariff measures to stop them from falling into poverty and social exclusion. In the EU, only 62 per cent on average agree with this thinking.