I agree with Ray Buttigieg that the cost of energy should be borne by the consumer of that same energy (TMIS, 23 October). But, and a very important but, is that the company generating energy, which is a State company, should also carry its share of the burden. It should strive to reduce wastage in the distribution network and fight electricity theft. Honest consumers must not be punished for Enemalta’s inefficiencies and for millions of liri lost because of theft.

The Mater Dei delay proposal was one of a series of six short-term proposals to fill yet another “hofra”, a Lm50 million one (or more!). Our finance spokesperson Edward Fenech made it crystal clear that these were short-term “crisis management” proposals.

These short-term solutions would act as a buffer while long term investment in renewable, energy efficient devices and incentives for consumers to reduce energy use, together with a policy of encouraging the private sector to invest in renewable energy production would serve to deflect future shocks.

Ralph Cassar

AD spokesperson for Energy, Industry and IT

ATTARD