Enemalta Launches Power Cut Compensation Scheme After 2 Months

Residential consumers affected by repeated power cuts during July and August 2026 will receive automatic credits on their electricity bills, following the announcement of the ex-gratia payment scheme. Credits range from €60 for cumulative outages of six to eight hours, up to €110 for interruptions exceeding 48 hours.

The scheme arrives against a backdrop of a particularly severe summer, during which temperatures surpassed 43 degrees Celsius and electricity demand hit a record 741 megawatts, well above the national average of around 450 megawatts. Gozo was among the worst affected, suffering a significant blackout in late August after two of three high-voltage feeders failed.

The announcement comes roughly two months after the government first indicated compensation would be provided, a delay that drew sharp criticism from Opposition MPs and social partners alike. The Malta Chamber's president, William Spiteri Bailey, noted that the government had been presenting a picture of normalcy in public whilst privately cautioning social partners about strain on public finances.

Non-residential consumers will apply through Malta Enterprise, whilst eligible residential consumers who are not automatically credited may submit applications via a dedicated online portal between 1 October 2026 and 31 January 2027.