The Nationalist Party on Friday presented nine proposals for what it said would lead to the strengthening of the country’s electricity grid and distribution. One of the main proposals is the liberalisation of the energy distribution sector.
PN Leader Bernard Grech said that the PL government, since 2013, was short on investment towards electricity distribution, and overwhelmed the country with a fast-expanding population.
“In 2013, the need for investment for the country was identified, but in the 10 years after, the PL did not take action,” he said, adding that government always comes up with excuses, but it is Prime Minister Robert Abela’s responsibility to anticipate, and fix problems.
Grech said that what needs to be done must be done immediately, as now, the country has found itself in an emergency situation, as Abela continued to burden the country.
PN MPs Mark Anthony Sammut and Ryan Callus explained the party’s proposals for the strengthening of the network and Enemalta processes.
The PN is proposing an adequate and accelerated investment in the distribution network, as well the priorotisation of the 11kV network (the main voltage used for distributing energy), as well as the low-voltage feeder network, where gradually, the concept of n-1 is introduced (the introduction of a third cable as a support other than the traditional two), which currently only exists until the 33kV level.
It is also proposing a system of data analysis of information which today can be collected from smart meters. Today, these smart meters are only used to calculate electricity bills.
The PN said that these can be used to identify zones where people are experiencing low or unstable voltages, so that the phases of each zone could be better balanced based on patterns of individual consumption.
It also suggested that a rate of 99.5% of electricity availability is imposed on the operator, as well as a minimum timeframe of notifications of the halting of works planned, and an automatic amount of compensation for each house which has been left without service for more than 12 hours, or 24 hours in the case of bad weather.
This compensation must increase according to the amount of time of the service cut. This also excludes compensation for damages, material damages. The PN said that this exists in many other countries.
Enemalta’s process of procurement must also be revised, so that instead of considering solely the price, considers also the quality, particularly with regards to joints and critical material, whilst assuring enough stock at any point in time, the PN proposed.
The PN also proposed measures to reduce the peak load, which includes incentives for buildings which have the highest level of energy efficiency.
“The building would be subject to lower tax and duty rates, according to the energy performance of the building, based on the Energy Performance Certificates, which today are obligatory, but with no effect,” the PN said.
It said that additionally, the incentives for installation of solar panel systems as well as batteries must be improved.
The PN is suggesting that companies which occupy buildings in government industrial parks, which use their roofs to invest in solar panel systems would be exempted from paying rates to rent the roof, which are currently imposed by government.
It also wants for more residencies to use a battery system for the storage of energy generated from solar panels as this can increase the resilience of the grid, given that the peak load would decrease. Moreover, the PN said that the current off-peak load tariff should also be decreased more than the current 10.47c and be available to the rest of the population rather than only those charging their cars.
The liberalisation of the energy distribution market should also invite the private to compete in the sector. Sammut said that since the Enemalta agreement on the law dispensation to remain the sole provider of energy on the Island expires in 2027, it is time for the country to begin working on a regulatory framework. This will allow for a smoother transition when the time for other energy distributors companies to offer their services.
The PN’s proposals may be found here