GRTU proposes charter on business compensation caused by power outage

The GRTU has called for the drafting of a Charter that would set the guidelines for compensation for businesses for losses caused by a power cut.

In a meeting held today with the Energy Ministry’s permanent secretary Ronald Mizzi and Enemalta CEO Frederick Azzopardi, GRTU discussed its call for compensation to businesses for power cuts.

“Following the last week’s meeting with the Minister is was evident that compensation for business was off the table but more discussions to make up for the issue would be held,” the GRTU said.

The Malta chamber of SMEs requested that a Charter regulating compensation to businesses is introduced.

“The Charter, similar to the UK’s, would see the energy supplier automatically required to pay an established compensation, or take other compensation measures, for power outage. This would be specifically for businesses and consumers,” GRTU said.

GRTU argued that the time where businesses are no longer able to seek redress for lost business has passed.

“An authority or agency should be liable for damages if through its actions it cause loss for business. The Ministry has committed itself publicly that it will be working on these lines,” it added.

According to the GRTU, the Energy Ministry and Enemalta have improved their handling services with customers who have outstanding bills. At the GRTU’s request, the government did not rule out the setting up of a section at ARMS Ltd solely dealing with business clients.

Both the Ministry and Enemalta said they would welcome an opportunity to deal directly with enterprises experiencing problems related to water and electricity.