The Nationalist Party on Monday unveiled a package of energy reforms aimed at reducing household electricity bills by an average of 30% while eliminating annual meter rental charges, presenting the measures as a key response to rising living costs.

During a press conference, PN leader Alex Borg, alongside Mark Anthony Sammut and Jonathan Muscat, said the proposals are intended to deliver immediate financial relief while strengthening Malta's long-term energy sustainability. Borg had already spoken about the PN's plan to cut energy bills on Sunday, and today's press conference served to expand on what the PN intends to do.

Borg emphasised that the plan goes beyond technical reform and is designed to have a direct impact on people's daily lives. He said the reductions would be clearly reflected in electricity bills and would address the cost of living in a "direct and understandable way".

Among the main measures is the removal of annual electricity meter rental charges. Households with single-phase meters would save €65 per year, while those with three-phase connections would benefit from savings ranging between €140 and €195. Farmers and voluntary organisations would also benefit, with savings reaching up to €360 annually.

The PN is also proposing a revision of electricity tariffs, including the removal of the second residential band and a reduction in the rate for consumption between 0 and 6,000 kWh to 10.47c per unit, down from 12.98c. The party estimates this would result in average bill reductions of 21%, rising to around 30% depending on usage levels.

Additional measures target individuals living alone, who the PN says are disproportionately affected by fixed costs. By extending eco-reduction thresholds, single-person households could see savings of up to 42%.

Farmers and herders would benefit from a 15% reduction in non-residential tariffs, alongside the removal of meter rental fees. Borg described this as necessary support for a sector that contributes to food security and rural stability.

The PN leader said the package would cost €30 million, including €3 million for the removal of meter rental fees. This, Borg said, would be offset through investment in renewable energy, particularly solar power.

A central part of the plan is the generation of 175 GWh of electricity from solar energy-equivalent to around 5% of national consumption-through a €60 million investment in solar panels on government-owned buildings. This would reduce generation costs by up to 17c per kWh, enabling savings to be passed on to consumers.

Sammut noted that increased reliance on electric appliances has placed greater pressure on household energy consumption, while Muscat criticised the government's dependence on gas and called for greater transparency in energy contracts, improved governance, and clearer billing systems.

When asked by The Malta Independent about an apparent contradiction between his recent statement that government energy subsidies are "short-term" and the PN's pledge to reduce energy rates by 30%, Borg said he had never suggested that subsidies would be removed, but rather that they should be restructured to provide more effective and targeted support. He added that the proposed reductions would complement existing mechanisms while ensuring broader benefits for households and key sectors.

When asked about the PN's position on population growth and its impact on infrastructure and traffic, Borg acknowledged the strain on the country's systems. He described traffic congestion as one of Malta's most significant challenges and said the PN is committed to introducing large-scale mass transport solutions. He stated that, within its first five years in government, the party aims to implement what he described as the largest dedicated mass transport lane project in the country.

Borg rejected claims by the Labour Party that the PN's proposal to offer tax reductions to professionals returning to Malta is discriminatory. He said the proposal includes a five-year tax break and with the coupled with a broader financial package aimed at improving wages and working conditions of all health professionals, arguing that it is designed to attract skilled workers back to Malta and strengthen key sectors.