Labour MEP Edward Scicluna has called on the European Commission to investigate reports that Maltese families entitled to social support are being denied energy coupons to help meet their electricity bills unless they can pay their bills in full.

In a statement, Prof Scicluna said energy poverty in Malta was a serious problem that was getting worse.

"At a time when we have over 100 families who have their energy supply disconnected every month, we hear that some of our most vulnerable people are even being denied energy coupons to help pay instalments of their bills."

Prof Scicluna also asked the Commission what information it had received from the Maltese authorities relating to the energy situation.

In May last year, Prof Scicluna asked if the government was in breach of the Energy Directive, which requires Malta and all other EU countries to look after the energy security of vulnerable customers. In response, the Commission said that it would contact the Maltese authorities for more information on the situation. Since then, over 5,500 households have suffered power disconnections.

"Last year the Commission told me that they would seek information on the situation from EneMalta and the government. Given that energy poverty in Malta's continues to worsen I want to know what information was provided and whether the Commission will investigate," the MEP said.

"Since 2008 nearly 5% of all Maltese homes have had their electricity disconnected. This disconnection rate is very high for an EU country and it is unacceptable."