GRTU Firm on its position on Electricity Tariffs

In the current economic situation it makes no sense for Government to continue to insist on the increase projected in the Utility Tariffs. Presently this is not the priority item for Malta and other EU Member States.

Current oil prices make it easier for Government to drastically redesign the Electricity Tariffs. The system that apparently found favour with Trade Unions, based on Eco Reductions or Rebates and a higher per capita unit threshold, is not acceptable. To GRTU this is not fit to the current economic situation faced by SME s and Maltese Households.

Households need a direct money injection to help them sustain their traditional level of expenditure which is so important to keep the level of employment in the commerce and services sector. Enterprises also need to enjoy reduction in cost and not an increase in the Electricity Tariff Regime that the Government is trying to impose.

In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister early this week, the GRTU National Executive Council gave its final position on the Electricity and Water Tariffs. GRTU s final position requests a redesign of the tariff regime that includes an approximate reduction of 25% on proposed tariffs for 2009. 

GRTU also insists that it will not accept any backdating of payments. Insistence by Government will leave us with no alternative but to take the issues to the Courts of Law.

GRTU also insists that new installation fees are not implemented before the publication of a Legal Notice. At this stage we insist that Enemalta  forwards rebates to all those who have been charged these illegal fees.

GRTU s proposed tariffs are based on Enemalta s cost of fuel which should not exceed €211m for 2009. Government has to make sure that current losses of any nature are burdened by Enemalta and not by its final user.

GRTU will continue to insist on making sure that Government takes up priority issues in respect to the current world economic crises and handles local issues such as the current Utility Tariffs with the attention they deserve. We want SME s, Industry, Commerce, and also Maltese households to look forward to a better future for the benefit of all.

Schedule of GRTU s Proposed Electricity Tariff Structures: