In reaction to the increase in surcharge, Zminijietna - Voice of the Left points out that the 95% surcharge rate on water and electricity bills will only make life more difficult for thousands of Maltese families. Zminijietna believes that instead, the Government should introduce short-term and long-term changes which are more socially just, ecologically sustainable and efficient.
Unjust surcharges will increase inequality in Malta, which is already characterised by high inflation rates. Instead of increasing consumer surcharges in a flat-rate manner, the Government should ensure that wasteful practices, and not normal consumption rates, are penalized. The basic energy rate should remain affordable to low and middle income earners. If anything, this requires a decrease in the surcharge rate. Surcharge increases should be imposed on wasteful practices and not on normal consumption.
Zminijietna believes that energy should remain under state ownership so as to have social responsibility in this sector. The State should also increase investment in alternative sources of energy.

Mario Mifsud
Zminijietna - Voice of the Left