Electricity network failures continue to impact thousands of families

Electricity outages have left thousands of families across Malta grappling with stifling heat on Tuesday night as the power network kept failing in different localities.

The European Conference League match between Floriana and Drita, played at the Centenary Stadium in Ta’ Qali had to be stopped three times because of electricity outages. The game ended 1-1.

At 11pm, Enemalta’s power outages map showed no electricity in parts of Birgu, Qormi, Gudja, Għargħur, Għaxaq, Ħamrun, Kalkara, Luqa, Marsa, Naxxar, Paola, Pembroke, Pieta', St Julian’s, Santa Luċija, Swieqi and Tarxien. The power outage in Birgu and Kalkara has lasted for more than 12 hours. Earlier, power outages were reported in parts of Birkirkara, Lija and Attard.

All faults were to high tension cables, according to the information given on Enemalta’s website.

The power outages come as Malta bakes under very high temperatures, causing discomfort and suffering to thousands of families.

Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Robert Abela made an unconditional apology for the electricity outages.

Meanwhile, the Chamber of Commerce said Malta’s energy distribution problems, much like its traffic problems, are directly linked to the country’s economic growth model.

In a statement issued on Tuesday following days of repeated power outages across Malta and Gozo, the chamber argued that Malta’s model of low-value growth, dependent on large numbers of low-skilled workers, has reached its physical limits.

The chamber acknowledged that higher electricity demand placed greater strain on the distribution network. However, it said this increase was entirely predictable given Malta’s growing population, rising tourist numbers, and increasingly high temperatures caused by climate change.