Refund of 50% of business electricity bills announced

Government today gave details on the Electricity Refund Bill Scheme which was launched as part of the Plan for the Regeneration of the Economy, which was announced back in June. A total budget of €35 million is being allocated with the aim of supporting over 16,000 businesses across Malta and Gozo.

Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses Silvio Schembri said that “the ultimate aim of this scheme is to reduce costs for businesses whilst support the operating expenditure of those businesses that had to cease or limit their operations due to the pandemic. In much the same way we supported businesses during the past months, as a government we continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with businesses and families throughout this journey for the regeneration of our economy. Our goal is to keep safeguarding as many jobs as possible,” said Minister Schembri.

The scheme is aimed at all businesses benefitting from the Covid Wage Supplement. Through this scheme, businesses will be reimbursed 50% of the electrical power bills for any bill which partially or fully covers the months of July, August and September.

During the press conference, it was explained that a business with one outlet may claim a grant of up to €1500. On the other hand, businesses with multiple outlets and which employ a substantial number of employees who are benefitting from the Covid Wage Supplement can be eligible for a maximum support of up to €7500.

CEO of Malta Enterprise Kurt Farrugia explained that the application process which businesses should follow will be outlined in an initial email which will be sent by the corporation to all businesses benefitting from the Wage Supplement from 1^st September onwards.

“Malta Enterprise shall then verify with ARMS the amount paid by the applicant for bills covering the period of July till September. Following that, it shall then proceed with refunding the businesses directly. The process may be repeated until the full allotment per applicant is reached, and refund may be done in more than one payment,” explained Mr Farrugia.

For further assistance, one may contact Business First on 144 during office hours, or by sending an email to regeneration@maltaenterprise.com, or by visiting the website regeneration.maltaenterprise.com or www.maltaenterprise.com.