VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Increased pressure is continuing to affect the Maltese government following prolonged electricity disruptions that have left thousands of households and businesses without power during a record-breaking heatwave.
The Opposition Nationalist Party has tabled a motion of no confidence in Energy Minister Miriam Dalli, calling on Prime Minister Robert Abela to request her resignation or remove her from office.
Opposition leader Alex Borg and shadow energy minister Mark Anthony Sammut said the government had failed to provide an essential service after repeated outages lasting more than six hours.
The PN said the crisis reflected failures identified by the National Audit Office, which highlighted shortcomings in Enemalta’s planning and investment in the electricity distribution network.
The motion comes two years after a similar move following major summer blackouts in 2023. The opposition argues that promised improvements have failed to prevent a worsening situation.
Electricity demand reached a record 741MW this week, exceeding the previous peak of 663MW recorded in 2023, as temperatures climbed above 40C.
Energy Minister Miriam Dalli announced that households and businesses affected by outages longer than six hours would again receive compensation.
Enemalta CEO Ryan Fava said the company was carrying out permanent upgrades, including stronger cables and improved distribution centres, to prepare for increasing demand.
He warned that further faults could occur if extreme temperatures and high electricity usage continue.
Meanwhile, emergency services responded to an apartment fire in Qawra caused by an external air conditioning unit. Ten people were taken to Mater Dei Hospital after suffering smoke inhalation.
-Photo Enemalta-
(ITALPRESS).
