PN links power cut compensation delays to pressure on public finances

The Nationalist Party linked the two-month delay in promised power cut compensation to concerns over pressure on public finances, pointing to recent warnings by the Chamber of Commerce that social partners are being told expenditure needs to be reined in despite the government publicly projecting a strong economy.

Against this backdrop, the party asked Prime Minister Robert Abela whether he now considers the promised compensation “an additional expense” that he would rather avoid.

The party noted that two months have passed since the government announced the compensation scheme, yet application forms have still not been published. It insisted that compensation should be treated as a right, not a favour, for those who suffered losses because of failures in the electricity supply.

It described the delay as unacceptable, particularly for small businesses where cash flow is essential. These businesses, the PN said, were forced to absorb the costs caused by the power cuts immediately, but are still waiting for the government to fulfil its promise.

In July, thousands of households were affected by a series of outages during a severe heatwave, with disruptions reported in numerous localities. Electricity demand reached a record 741MW on 21 July, up from the previous peak of 663MW recorded in 2023.

Meanwhile, in August, Gozo suffered a major power crisis in which thousands of residents and tourists were left without electricity after two of the three 33kV high-voltage feeders supplying the island from Malta developed faults.

This was followed days later by power outages in Qormi, Żebbuġ, Birkirkara, Marsaskala, Żejtun, St Paul’s Bay, Mosta, San Ġwann, and Mellieħa, while large parts of Gozo were also without electricity.

It called on the government to provide automatic compensation based on clear and transparent criteria, noting that both Enemalta and the government already have data showing where power cuts occurred and how long they lasted.

For additional losses, including damage to appliances, products or stock that had to be discarded, lost sales, or the forced closure of businesses, the PN said the government should establish a simple and effective process through which losses can be declared and fairly compensated.

“Having failed to guarantee a reliable electricity supply, the government is now also failing to deliver on its promise of compensation,” the PN said. “Government must stop dragging its feet and ensure that families and businesses receive full and fair compensation without any further delay.”