Gonzi will bring Enemalta to its knees - Konrad Mizzi

Labour's energy guru Konrad Mizzi has hit out at a number of claims made by finance minister Tonio Fenech during a meeting with Enemalta employees.

“Lawrence Gonzi has decided not to do anything different in the next five years. This will bring Enemalta to its knees, which will create problems for our economy,” Mizzi said.

Mizzi pointed our several purported failures by Lawrence Gonzi in respect of Enemalta and the energy sector. These “wrong choices” have resulted in the electricity division recording losses of around €74 million after receiving government assistance of €25 million.

“Enemalta is now riddled with a prospective debt of €835 million. The current situation is not sustainable and Lawrence Gonzi is creating a situation similar to the one of the Shipyards. This situation has become even worse with the recent revelations with respect to oil procurement. This requires direction and decisive action,” according to Mizzi.

Mizzi accused Fenech of playing to his selected audience in claiming that the “interconnector will not supply 70% of the electricity supply constantly.”

“The PN’s wrong choices in the energy sector have resulted in unaffordable tariffs, a lack of competitiveness, a deterioration of the nation’s health, regular power outages, delays in Marsa decommissioning, failure to reach clean energy targets and an unsustainable Enemalta,” Mizzi said.

Turning to the PL’s own plans for the energy sector, Mizzi reiterated that a “Liquified Natural Gas infrastructure in partnership with the private sector” was the best way to go.

“This will complement efforts which Enemalta will undertake to convert the BWSC plant to gas and utilise the interconnector with Sicily. The PL’s plans also sets out a clear plan for achieving our renewables target,” Mizzi said.

"Partit Laburista has presented the only credible roadmap for the Energy sector which will result in an average 25% reduction in electricity tariffs, reliable supply of energy and a better environment."

“Phase 2 at the Delimara power station will be retained as a standby facility. The Marsa power station will be decommissioned and the site will be regenerated. Delimara Phase 1 and it’s [sic] large chimney will be decommissioned,” Mizzi said.

By virtue of the PL’s roadmap, Enemalta’s financial position will become sustainable, securing jobs for Enemalta employees, Mizzi reassured.