Summer power cuts reduced by 34% from 2021 levels, despite record demand – Enemalta CEO

Enemalta’s plan to reinforce Malta’s electricity grid is already reaping benefits, according to Joseph Caruana, CEO of the company, who says that the investment is responsible for the notable decrease in power cuts experienced during the hot summer season when the large number of air conditioning units take their toll.

He reserved high praise for Enemalta’s workers, thanks to whom, he said, “some of our goals for this year have already been exceeded”.

The majority state-owned company spent €11 million out of the €15 million allocated for the improvement of Malta’s energy distribution in 2022, he claimed, and the results are evident.

“This summer power cuts were reduced by 34 per cent per cent,” with more works planned over the course of 6 years as part of the €90 million plan.

Chairman Ing. Ryan Fava said: “We are committed to providing our customers, whether families or businesses, with an improved service and a stable electricity supply.”

Ing. Fava also mentioned that record demands were exceeded repeatedly this year.

The highest day-peak electricity demand was recorded on 7th July, when the demand reached 581 megawatts (2.8 per cent higher than last year). The evening peak record was then exceeded on 17th August, when electricity demand reached 542 megawatts (5.6 per cent higher than last year).

Enemalta’s Executive Director for Projects and Distribution, Ing. Steve Farrugia gave a detailed account of the interventions over the past 8 months. He mentioned that upgrades in the Tarxien and Imrieħel distribution centre have been completed, while extension works on the Marsascala distribution centre are nearing completion.

Ing. Farrugia stated that 29 of the 40 substations planned for this year have been commissioned in several localities. He highlighted their importance in the distribution system, both for existing clients and for future clients to meet the increasing electricity demands. “The network is continuously expanding due to economic and social development in the country. Thus it is essential that this system is maintained and continuously reinforced.”