Enemalta refuses to say how many consumers suspected of stealing electricity have been arraigned so far, noting police investigations were ongoing.

When specifically asked for the number of consumers accused of stealing electricity, the State power company replied that, last year, it managed to cut down electricity losses by 33 per cent.

It said it had conducted more than 800 inspections, identifying and stopping over 500 cases of electricity theft.

Last February, when the smart meter theft scandal was uncovered, Enemalta had said it suspected that more than 1,000 of the new meters had been tampered with to register lower consumption than the true one.

Following an amnesty given by the government to those who admitted to theft, settled their dues and spilled the beans, Enemalta said that 428 consumers had applied for the amnesty.

That was less than half the 1,000-odd suspects it had originally mentioned.

Court records show 31 consumers had been charged by October.

Enemalta was asked for a breakdown but it supplied no figures and only said investigations were still ongoing. It would not even say whether more consumers were expected to be arraigned in the coming weeks.

It was more forthcoming when asked about the number of employees suspended in connection with the scam: 16 workers have been suspended so far, the latest three just a few days ago.

Three of the employees were convicted and subsequently fired by Enemalta.

Another one was re-instated after the police indicated that he was no longer under investigation. The cases against the rest are still pending.

According to Enemalta’s collective agreement, suspended employees are entitled to half their pay until their case is decided. In a statement, Enemalta reiterated its determination to take all the necessary action to safeguard its interests and to continue checking irregularities.

It said individuals aware of any irregularities should contact it, even anonymously, so the necessary action could be taken.