Frustration grows as power outages increase despite government pledges

As the summer heat hits its peak, Malta is experiencing severe power outages similar to last year’s crisis, leading to frustration among residents who are taking to social media to voice their concerns and criticise the government for failing to resolve previous issues and leaving them in the dark.

Despite promises to prevent a repeat of last year’s problems, power outages are back. The government’s temporary solution is to deploy generators to bolster electricity distribution. As August approaches and demand increases, the consequences of government neglect are becoming clear.

Panic and confusion are rising, reminiscent of last year’s complaints about Energy Minister Miriam Dalli and the management of Enemalta.

Officials on the ground have done little to address the ongoing power outages. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Robert Abela enjoys his luxury yacht during his summer trips away from the island in air-conditioned comfort, while the public struggles with power outages and crowded beaches.

Opposition leader Bernard Grech recently highlighted the problem on Facebook. “Many of us have had power outages, sometimes for days,” he said, criticizing the government for failing to deliver a summer without disruptions despite a €46 million allocation for an emergency power plant that has still not been built.

Grech pointed to the impact on citizens, including those with medical needs such as sleep apnea, and criticized the lack of planning and repeated failures by the government. He called for long-term plans that ensure a reliable power supply.

Mayor Noel Formosa of San Lawrenz also expressed his frustration, noting that there was no generator in his area. He criticized Enemalta for its shortcomings and the problems faced by residents who depend on medical equipment. “People who care for bedridden patients are struggling,” he said. “We pay bills, just like everyone else.”

The recent report by the Accountant General on Enemalta’s distribution network highlights the fundamental problems behind the problem.

It shows that last summer’s blackout was the result of long-term poor planning and underfunding. Prompted by ADPD-The Green Party, the report reveals that the problems are systemic rather than isolated incidents.

Despite emergency investment to replace faulty cables, many areas are still experiencing power outages this summer. Furthermore, the report suggests that last year’s blackouts may have contributed to around 80 additional deaths during the 2023 heatwave, highlighting the impact on vulnerable people.

The inquiry also criticises the Minister of Energy for failing to address these issues and questions the effectiveness of the Regulator for Energy and Water Services (REWS) due to inadequate oversight.

Reactions to the report suggest that accountability must begin with the resignation of Miriam Dalli and subsequent action against other officials who failed to prevent recurring problems.

Enemalta recognises the need for further investment in the distribution network. Executive Chairman Ryan Fava announced the deployment of 14 diesel generators to maintain power supply until the grid failures are resolved.

This follows a prolonged heatwave that damaged the high-voltage network, with the National Audit Office saying a decade of underinvestment had made the situation worse.

Fava admitted that priority was given to investment in the low-voltage grid, but that the high-voltage grid, where most failures occur, was neglected.

Recent outages in areas such as Gzira, St Julian’s and Gozo highlight the problem. The Energy Minister said Enemalta had begun upgrading the distribution network in areas affected by last year’s outages.

Improvements in Dingli, Rabat, Naxxar, Mosta, Cottonera and Żurrieq have led to fewer power cuts. However, further investment is needed in St Paul’s Bay, St Julian’s, Sliema, Gżira, Birkirkara, Attard, Żebbuġ and Qormi. Fava promised substantial work later this year as demand eases.

The population remains dissatisfied and demands that the government prioritize their needs and ensure a stable power supply.