Alternattiva Demokratika have said that is unacceptable that customers of Malta’s utility providers are expected to pay for inefficiencies, not only of the service providers themselves, but also of ARMS Ltd, which has been subcontracted to administer utility bills.

Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson said, "All sorts of complaints are being made by customers, ranging from incorrect energy bills to never-ending queues. It is obvious that with all the rhetoric in favour of the efficiency of privatisation, ARMS is in an administrative shambles. Unless the company gets its act together, the 6% interest charge applicable to ‘overdue’ water and electricity bills should be suspended."

Richard Schranz, AD Spokesperson for Consumer Rights added, "In the absence of functional smart meters for all energy consumers, the 6% interest charge on ‘overdue’ bills is untenable because customers are being forced to pay this on excessive bills derived from chronic administrative errors and overestimated readings. This fiasco reflects the crude abuse of consumers by Enemalta and the Water Services Corporation due to their monopolistic market domination."

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