The Kirkop local council has helped nearly 20 individuals, including two band clubs, file claims for compensation from Enemalta for damage incurred following the 24-hour power cut that occurred two weeks ago.

Mayor Mario Salerno said the council had assisted in the filing of 19 claims but he knew of several other people who had claimed for damages.

Kirkop, Safi, Żurrieq, Mqabba and Ħal Far residents had to suffer in the heat on August 7 and 8 after a fire broke out at an electricity distribution centre in Ħal Far, disrupting the power supply to the localities for several hours. Kirkop and Safi residents had no power for nearly 24 hours.

Following complaints the Kirkop council received from residents, it took it upon itself to guide them in how to seek compensation from Malta’s sole energy supplier.

Mr Salerno said a number of complaints were related to damage done to household burglar alarm systems while others covered the contents of fridges and freezers. There was also a claim for damage to a computer.

He said two clubs in Kirkop claimed compensation for the renting of generators which, in one case, had to be used to keep drinks cold and food frozen. The other club needed to provide electricity for a party attended by about 400 guests.

Questions sent to Enemalta about the number of claims it received due to this power cut remained unanswered.

Enemalta paid consumers €65,092 in 2009 for 151 compensation claims, nearly double the amount paid out in the previous year. Last year, towns and villages across Malta and Gozo spent a total of 2,350 hours without power.