More substations, cables planned to strengthen electricity supply

More substations and cables are planned to be added to Malta's electricity distribution network, Energy Minister Miriam Dalli has announced.

“Our policy is clear; we are protecting families from today’s pressures while investing in the infrastructure our country needs for the future. This is the principle behind Malta Miegħek - a country that moves forward and moves its people along with it,” Dalli said at a press conference on Budget 2027 on Friday.

The planned works follow repeated power cuts across Malta during the summer, when faults in the distribution network left several localities without electricity. In July, Enemalta said separate network faults had caused the outages and insisted there was enough electricity generation to meet demand.

The government later announced payments of between €60 and €110 for households that experienced a combined total of at least six hours without electricity during July and August. Eligible households identified through Enemalta’s systems receive the payment automatically as a credit on their electricity bills.

She said her ministry would receive €370 million, the largest capital allocation to any ministry, from the Budget. A further €400 million in subsidies will be provided to protect families and businesses from changes in international energy prices.

The distribution network forms part of wider investment aimed at improving the reliability of Malta's electricity supply, with the Government working on the second interconnector, battery energy storage systems and new renewable energy sources.

Alongside these projects, schemes helping households invest in clean energy and improve energy and water efficiency will continue.

Investment in water services will focus on increasing production capacity, improving infrastructure and upgrading wastewater treatment. The New Water network will also expand to support the sustainable use of water resources.

On the environment, Dalli outlined further investment in waste management, nature conservation and open spaces, including national parks at Manoel Island, White Rocks and Fort Campbell.

Dalli said the aim was to ensure that economic growth improved everyday life.

“A country’s success is not measured solely by economic growth, but by the extent to which that growth improves people’s lives. We are investing in better services and infrastructure, a more attractive environment and a more sustainable future for generations to come,” Dalli said.