Basic use of water and electricity should not be penalised, Alternattiva Demokratika said yesterday, while expressing concern over the new tariffs to be introduced in January.

AD chairman Michael Briguglio said the government was imposing an unfair and unsustainable system which will add to the burden carried by families, workers and businesses.

"While the international price of oil cannot be ignored, a fixed tariff rate should be introduced for basic and sustainable consumption of energy," he said, adding, however, that wasteful practices should be penalised.

Ralph Cassar, spokesman for energy, called on the government to commission scientific studies which would determine how basic consumption can be quantified.

He said these should consider ecological, social and economic factors in the consumption patterns of individuals, families, businesses and organisations of different sizes.

He said the government's policies on alternative energy were "half-hearted", when sustainable sources of energy, such as solar and wind power, should be given priority.

"The government's choice of dirty energy at the Delimara power station is a step in the wrong direction, and will only increase Malta's energy problems in the coming years," he said.