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PR 25/05/2008 FLAT RATE SURCHARGE IS UNJUST

In view of the imminent increase in the electricity surcharge Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party called the current flat rate surcharge unjust and a clear case of ‘calculator politics’.

AD spokesperson on Energy, Innovation and Industry Ralph Cassar stated that “AD has always recognised the need to make good for the escalating price of oil. No politician or political party can deny this. However we do not believe that a uniform rate of surcharge as imposed by the government is sufficiently effective both environmentally and socially. We reiterate our proposal that rather than just one flat rate of surcharge, a number of different rates are introduced that would apply according to usage on a per capita household basis. In this way those families which are energy efficient would incur a lower rate of surcharge, whilst those who are not energy efficient would pay more. In this way heavy users would be contributing towards slashing the surcharge for the efficient users. This proposal would be cost neutral to government. Our proposal would enable the government to lower the surcharge for those deserving so whilst reaping the same amount of money from the surcharge.”

AD Spokesperson on Sustainable Development Carmel Cacopardo said that we cannot keep increasing the surcharge across the board simply to keep up with the price of oil. If Malta wants to reach the European Union target for Malta of 10% of energy produced from renewable sources by 2020 a serious plan with clear targets and deadlines has to be put in place as soon as possible. ADs proposals centre on more energy efficiency, to reduce wastage and various proposals targeted to help families and individuals reduce their dependence of energy from polluting sources, whilst helping them reduce their energy bills. Carmel Cacopardo said:”Government���⒠�¹s attitude so far only addresses the economic impacts. AD���⒠�¹s proposal views the issue holistically by integrating economic, environmental and social considerations.”

Ralph Cassar said:”Our proposals include a 4 to 5 turbine windfarm, which will generate electricity at a cost of around 5 Euro cents per unit, whilst electricity generated by Enemalta costs about 11 Euro cents per unit; a national programme of incentives to replace all filament lamps with energy saving lamps in households; investing, over a five year period in solar water heaters for 50,000 households, and another investment programme to install 5,000 photovoltaic systems. The savings the government will make through a stabilisation or even a decrease in the use of oil will make this investment worth it. Malta must find ways to comply to the EU targets, so such programmes are a must. Our 5-year proposals are a very good start to achieving these targets.”

http://www.alternattiva.org.mt/filebank/documents/Politika%20Energija.pdf

Ralph Cassar
A/PRO
99894962

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