LEAP & Energy & Water Agency focus on vulnerable households to increase energy efficiency

The Energy & Water Agency and Centru LEAP are moving forward to achieve the targeted results set on Malta’s energy efficiency plan for 2020.

The first initiative started in 2015, when the Energy & Water Agency conducted more than 1000 house visits on a voluntary basis. This was done on a voluntary basis, and the aim was to raise awareness by providing specific advice on how to reduce consumption, save energy, and conserve water.

The current project, initiated in 2017, focuses on reducing energy and water consumption through the replacement of old and inefficient appliances belonging to Maltese and Gozitan individuals classified as socially vulnerable persons. LEAP conducted 470 visits to identify where the replacements are most needed, and found 277 households which required an appliance replacement. The visits conducted consisted of sharing useful tips on how to save energy and water on a daily basis, and an assessment of the appliances being used was also carried out.

Appliances that fell under the category of “high energy consumers” are considered to be fridge-freezers, washing machines, and AC units. Fridge-freezers were the major replacement, totalling at 189 units, followed by 40 washing machines and 23 AC units.

It is estimated that there will be a reduction of approximately 48 metric tons of carbon dioxide, with the national savings expected to average around 106MWhrs annually - equal to approximately 27 households’ worth of consumption.

The scheme is being extended for the next 2 years to continue giving aid to these socially vulnerable persons, whilst simultaneously edging closer to a more efficient energy and water system. The E&WA, through the Ministry for Energy and Water Management, is working with other agencies dealing with social welfare services, such as Agenzija Appogg and Agenzija Sapport.