Power distribution centre inaugurated

The first phase of a new power distribution centre for the north was inaugurated by Public Investments Minister Austin Gatt.

The distribution centre, in Mosta, is being built in phases, the first of which has cost Lm10 million.

Dr Gatt said the centre had been planned 11 years ago as part of a national plan which included the building of the Delimara power station, a distribution centre at Marsa and a plan to link all distribution centres to the two power stations.

He said the plan also included the drilling of a tunnel from this distribution centre to Marsa and another linking the two power stations. The first was completed and the latter was now nearing completion. This work had cost Lm4.5 million.

He observed that although demand for electrical power in the north had gone up faster than projections - mostly the result of development and increased use of air conditioners - power generation capacity had kept up. Blackouts were caused by the distribution network, which was why Enemalta would be spending Lm25 million to strengthen it.

Electricity demand had risen by 84 per cent in winter since 1988 while demand in summer was up 125 per cent. The figures were expected to continue to rise. While Enemalta would continue to invest to keep up with demand, the public needed to use energy wisely, he said.

Dr Gatt also referred to opposition criticism over the recent increase in the price of bottled gas. He said prices had only gone up three per cent on average, or by one cent per week for the average family.

The last time the price of gas had gone up was in 1997 under a Labour government. At the time gas prices rose by between 13 and 18 per cent. While the price of a 15kg gas cylinder, the one most commonly used by families, had recently gone up by 7c, under Labour its price had risen by 25c, Dr Gatt said.