The Malta Developers' Association this morning stopped short of joining the GRTU, the Chamber of Commerce and the Nationalist Party in calling for lower power tariffs in view of a drop in oil prices.

The association suggested that some of the profits that Enemalta is making from lower oil prices should go to bigger spending on clean energy through incentives for those who buy solar panels and insulate roofs.

In a statement, the association said that as a result of the lowering of electricity bills as promised by the government, the certainty on these tariffs contributed to a more stable economy in the country, so much so that the economy continued to grow.

"While it appears that, because of the lowering of the international oil price, there is room for further lowering of these tariffs, the MDA understands that Enemalta has to make good for past debts. More importantly, one has to be careful that the further lowering of these tariffs does not encourage waste of electricity to the detriment of the environment," the association said.

The MDA urged  developers and property owners to play their part so that buildings in Malta are more energy efficient.

On Sunday, Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi said a further reduction in electricity tariffs could harm Enemalta’s recovery process as it seeks to reach break-even next year. See http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20150920/local/konrad-mizzi-tariff-cuts-could-harm-enemalta-recovery.585070