The Opposition spokesman on the energy sector, George Pullicino, has called for adjustment of the eco-reduction system  in electricity bills, saying consumers were losing out now that actual bills were being sent.

Speaking in Parliament during the Enemalta debate, Mr Pullicino observed that thanks to Smart Meters, consumers would be receiving ‘Actual’ bills and not bills based on estimates. To date, some of the bills which customers received were estimates for six months and their consumption patters were thus spread accordingly. In terms of the new system, bills would be received every two months on 'actual' readings.

Thus, terms of the eco-reduction system for the calculation of the bills, consumers could end up losing their entitlement.

Explaining, he said that every consumer has an entitlement of 1750 units per year, which worked out at  287 units every two months.   

If one used 288 units in two months (one more than the entitlement) the Eco-reduction was lost. 

If just 100 units were used in the following two months, he got the eco reduction only for those months.

Before, one would have received the EcoContribution for four months if the limit for four months was not exceeded - (288+100) which were still under 574 (ie 287x2) since previously the estimate bills were calculated over six months.

Mr Pullicino suggested that there should be an annual adjustment, as is done in Italy so that losses which a consumer may have suffered could be compensated for.