Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green party is insisting with the government that real consultation should take place with regards to energy tariffs.

Arnold Cassola, Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson, said, “It is evident from the statements of UHM, GWU, GRTU and other social partners at the meeting of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Deveolpment (MCESD) yesterday that there is deep dissatisfaction at the way government is acting.”

Michael Briguglio, Spokesperson for Social and Economic Development said, “AD strongly believes that Malta’s energy bills should not be socially disruptive whilst also encouraging the polluters pay principle. In this regard, we believe that normal energy use, whether by households, businesses of various sizes and other organisations should be subsidised, whilst wasteful practices in each case should be penalised. The benchmark to be used to decide what is normal energy use for each case, for example household size or company type, should be based on scientific socio-economic research commissioned by Government.”

Ralph Cassar spokesperson for energy, industry and transport concluded, “The whole energy sector should be reviewed with short, medium and long term targets based on scientific and socio-economic studies. The importance of incentivising micro power generation systems from clean sources of energy should not be discounted. Indeed a whole new industry based on clean energy can be created if the right fiscal mechanisms are put in place. What is sure that the timeframes imposed by government are unacceptable. The blame lies squarely on this government for decades of neglect – it cannot now expect to shock the whole economic and social structure of this country in a few weeks to make up for the losses and inefficiencies at Enemalta.”