Enemalta should start compensating clients affected by powercuts like those experienced over the past days by giving them discounts, Valletta Cultural Agency chief and the Labour Party's former Secretary General Jason Micallef said in a Facebook post.

"In extreme cases like those seen this week, updates and apologies from Enemalta are not enough for those affected."

The recent and ongoing power outages have affected several localities across Malta and Gozo amidst the present heatwave that has caused temperatures to soar up to 40°C. Many residents across the Maltese islands - namely from the localities (but not exclusive to) Siġġiewi, Luqa, Żebbug, Qormi, Qrendi, Safi, Żurrieq, Naxxar, Mosta, Qala, and Għajnsielem - experienced lengthy power cuts that, in several households, lasted for full nights and prolonged periods during the day as well. These electrical faults have conjured severe backlash and criticism towards the relevant authorities as a result.

Micallef highlighted how during the extended hours without electricity, families and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been forced to throw away food and frozen items that cost a significant amount of money.

"I understand well that situations like these come up from time to time, and I commend the Enemalta workers for the work they are doing to repair and bring the situation back to normal. On the other hand, the time has come that, in circumstances as we had over the past days where there were thousands who had their electricity cut for long hour at night and day over the period of two days, Enemalta should start compensating its clients with a discount in the first energy bill it sends to affected clients," he said.