The government has requested the National Audit Office to carry out a review of the work undertaken by Enemalta on Malta's electricity distribution system over the past three years, saying the exercise will provide an accurate account of the investment made to strengthen the country's energy infrastructure.
Several parts of Malta have recently been hit by a spate of power cuts, in some instances lasting more than one day. The Nationalist Party has accused the government of not investing in its distribution network, while Prime Minister Robert Abela a few days ago said that the company should speed up its work.
A Department of Information statement on Wednesday said the request was made by government members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). They explained that, following discussions with Minister for Energy, the Environment and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour, Miriam Dalli, it had been decided to ask the Auditor General to examine the infrastructure works carried out by Enemalta between 2023 and 2026.
The review will serve as an update to a report published by the Auditor General in 2023, which examined works undertaken from 2014 onwards.
According to the government, the audit will assess the substantial investment carried out across various localities in Malta and Gozo to reinforce the electricity distribution network. It said the investment was aimed at addressing the growing challenges posed by extreme temperatures and the increased electricity demand resulting from changing climatic conditions.
The government said it is confident that the Auditor General's scrutiny will provide a precise and independent account of the work carried out and the investment made.
It added that the exercise reflects its commitment to transparency and openness, while demonstrating that it is implementing a serious plan to address the realities faced by families and businesses in a modern and growing country.
The issue is also expected to feature in discussions with the social partners during a meeting of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) on Friday.