Energy bills will drop by as much as 35% for a number of families as from tomorrow (Monday), Energy and Health Minister Konrad Mizzi said this morning.

Addressing the media at Zurrieq, Dr Mizzi said that the average of cuts will be 25% but many families will be benefiting from even further reductions. The Labour government is fulfilling its electoral pledge, he added. As from tomorrow consumers will pay 35% less on the first 2,000 units and 25% less on the next 4,000 units.

Dr Mizzi explained that bills issued in the first two weeks of April will be calculated on the old system because they will be covering the period up to the end of March. Next, “cross-over” bills that will include a mix of old and new tariffs will be issued. A detailed breakdown of the bill will be provided. The government is trying to ensure that consumers only receive one cross-over bill. Enemalta meter-readers will in fact be going round most households between April and May.

Eco-reduction and energy benefits will still apply. Tariffs for industry will decrease as from next year. 

 

Mater Dei bed shortage ‘unacceptable’

Dr Mizzi also spoke on his new role as Health Minister and said that the bed shortage crisis at Mater Dei Hospital is “unacceptable.” He said that he had immediately asked for the list of patients waiting in hospital corridors. “I could not sleep on it. The situation is unacceptable and has to be addressed.”

When asked if he now has too much on his plate with the two vast sectors, Dr Mizzi insisted that they can be managed. “I will be working with Dr Chris Fearne, who is a much respected person in the medical field. With my managerial expertise and his medical background we can achieve results. We make a good team.”

Dr Mizzi acknowledged the various challenges faced by the health sector, including bed shortage and out-of-stock medicines and insisted that such issues will be put at the top of his agenda.

The problem with both the energy sector and the health sector were the “prehistoric management systems.”

 

Smart meter scandal - €10 million recovered so far

Dr Mizzi also spoke on the recent smart meter scandal and confirmed that many of those who had tampered meters had come forward and agreed to pay Enemalta back. “The scheme is working. Many have come forward and have agreed with the estimates presented to them. They have agreed to pay the money back. We estimate that, with the number of people who have come forward so far we will be collecting around €10 million.” The Energy Minister had previously stated that Enemalta was losing close to €30 million a year from energy theft. He appealed for more people to come clean before the scheme closes in the coming days and warned that those who do not come forward will be facing harsher penalties. The same applies to consumers who are caught stealing electricity in the future.

 

Enemalta workers ‘will not be forced to work abroad’

On Enemalta, Dr Mizzi said that, whilst some employees could be seconded with the private operator (Electrogas), they will still be retained on Enemalta’s books. “We always insisted that the guarantee that Enemalta workers will retain their job was a sacred condition and it will be respected. Their collective agreement also protects their salaries and work conditions.”

The Energy Minster also confirmed that some Enemalta employees will be given the opportunity to work abroad in plants operated by Shanghai Electric Power, but insisted that they will not be forced to do so. If the required minimum is not met external calls will be made.

The Malta Independent on Sunday today quoted concerned corporation employees who said they felt betrayed by the Prime Minister.

See separate story.

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2014-03-30/news/enemalta-workers-feel-betrayed-by-pm-4433248257/