Enemalta has suspended three members of staff who allegedly tampered with up to 1,000 smart meters to slow down their recording of electricity consumption.

Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi told a hastily convened press conference this evening that the police have been called in, and court action may be taken against the three and against the owners of the properties where the tampered smart meters were installed.

He described the tampering as a sophisticated job and said the manufacturers had been asked to examine the meters.

A broad investigation was continuing and the government would not tolerate any theft of electricity.

He said theft of electricity was estimated to equal 10 per cent of power consumption and was the highest in Europe, costing Enemalta €30 million in lost revenue every year.