The government is working on a plan on alternative energy and expects to unveil it before the end of this year, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said in Brussels.

Energy and food prices were among the topics discussed at the EU summit today, along with the Irish referendum “no” vote on the Lisbon reform treaty.

Dr Gonzi said one of the ways to tackle the surge in oil prices was investment in alternative sources of energy. The government was discussing measures and incentives it could introduce to promote the use of wind and solar energy.

He confirmed that an increase in the power surcharge was inevitable, and said decisions on this issue would be taken in the coming days.

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