SME Chamber

Utility Tariffs: Where is the Regulator?

 Presently GRTU is receiving hundreds of calls a day from members asking us on the new tariffs and complaining that they are being charged an unknown amount for what they consume. Rightly so our members feel these practices go against their rights as users, what they do not know is that there is a regulator that should be safeguarding their interests. The regulator is the Malta Resources Authority (MRA).

GRTU has last Wednesday written to the MRA as GRTU feels these practices are abusive and consequently infringe consumer rights. It is the responsibility of the MRA as the lawful regulator.

In addition upon request of a new installation, Enemalta charges the installation rates according to the new tariffs. However, unless a Legal Notice is issued that puts in place any new tariffs which have been already agreed upon by the MRA as the regulator, these tariffs are unlawful.

GRTU is keeping MRA as the regulator responsible for this illegality and responsible for the refund of the overcharging to consumers.

In addition the GRTU maintains that it is highly unjust that consumers are charged for different prices to those related to the date of the consumption, apart from such practice being in breach of the Laws of Malta.

The GRTU told MRA that it is only just that any new tariffs charged should be effective as from the date of the first reading and not after the actual consumption without previously informing the consumer.

GRTU to date has so far not received an acknowledgement.

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