Enemalta should implement Ombudsman’s recommendations – Labour MP

“The systematic cuts in the provision of electricity in the last month were a confirmation that Maltese and Gozitans are being faced with high bills and low service,” Parnis said. “Worse, consumers are not given the necessary protection when suffering damages in their property caused by Enemalta’s faults.”

The case goes back to when a man claimed damages as a direct result of a power outage last June that seriously damaged the electrical installation in his residence. In responses, Enemalta had denied any responsibility.

Said Pullicino said that in recent months, “there seems to have been a hardening of Enemalta’s position.”

In the recent month, the Ombudsman had suggested for an independent board to be set up to examine cases where damages are incurred by power surges.

The EU Energy Directive calls specifically for an extra-judicial mechanism to treat complaints and which was independent of the energy service provider. However, Enemalta resisted the proposal, stressing that the arbitration board was enough.

“It is about time that public authorities and corporations in Malta recognise this new culture that has thankfully taken root in the European Union and that is finding its way in the public administration and sanctioned by the case law of our courts,” the Ombudsman said, referring to the need to strengthen the structures of the Malta Resources Authority.

Currently, there is a pending court case before the Constitutional Court on the matter.