The Energy Ministry announced a new scheme through which consumers will be able to save up to between 600 and 700 units of energy each year.

The government is also offering a 40 per cent refund on the equipment needed to use the scheme, up to a maximum of €400.

Minister Joe Mizzi said the scheme is open to consumers willing to give up on their water heaters and instead start using heat pumps.

The advantage of these heat pumps is that they consume less energy than a normal water heater.