Alternattiva Demokratika has expressed concerns on the new utility tariffs which will be in place next January.

Michael Briguglio, AD chairman, said the government was ignoring the social partners and imposing an unfair and unsustainable system which would add hardships on families, workers and businesses.

"Whilst the international price of oil cannot be ignored, a fixed tariff rate should be introduced for basic and sustainable consumption of energy. Basic use of water and electricity should not be penalised, unlike wasteful practices," the new AD leader said.

Ralph Cassar,spokesman for Industry, Energy and Transport said AD was appealing to the government to stop being hard-headed and to commission scientific studies to determine how basic consumption could be quanitified, taking into consideration ecological, social and economic factors in the consumption patterns of individuals, families, businesses and organisations of different sizes".

"Above all, Government should stop having half-hearted policies regarding alternative energy, and instead ensure that solar and wind energy is given priority. In the long run, this energy is more sustainable and less costly than dirty and expensive oil. The government's choice of dirty energy at Delimara power station is surely a step in the wrong direction, and will only increase Malta's energy problems in the coming years."