The Local Foreigner

Paying utility bills is an essential part of running a household or a business, and it requires regular attention. In Malta, the payment process for electricity and water has been made more convenient thanks to the various options offered by utility companies. However, it is still important to understand exactly what is being paid for. This article will help you gain a better understanding of what is included in your electricity and water bills.

Your bill will consist of two pages. Each section on the sample bill is identified by a number in red. Further information about each numbered section can be found below. The information presented, as well as the charges and tariffs, is only provided for illustration purposes and may be subject to change.

1. You are being billed for this consumption period.
2. The date this invoice was printed.
3. This bill/invoice number.
4. Your new account number.
5. Your previous account number.
6. Your bill amount due (includes any previously unpaid bills).
7. The official due date for bill settlement, although an additional concession of 30 days is given before interest is charged.
8. Your mailing billing address.
9. The address where your electricity and/or water meter is installed.
10. The number of residents who are registered on this account. Different rates are applied depending on the number of persons living in a premise. If this information in your bill is incorrect, download an application form and submit it in one of ARMS Customer Contact Centre Offices.
11. You are being charged on residential tariff rates.

12. This section provides workings of your bill for the period displayed above.

• A. Electricity service charge.
• B. Charge for your electricity (estimated or actual) consumed.
• C. Eco-reduction compensation.
• D. Any other electricity service related charges.
• E. Water service charge.
• F. Charge for your water (estimated or actual) consumed.
• G. Total electricity and water charge for the period.
• H. If this bill is based on actual readings, or if it is a half yearly bill, then previous estimated bills are subtracted as shown in this section. This section is empty when the bill is issued on estimated readings or when your consumption is read through a Smart Meter.
• I. Final charge for the period.

13. This section provides you with a short history till date of your account.

• A. The balance from your previous bill
• B. Payments received by ARMS Ltd after your previous bill was issued.
• C. Outstanding balance before this bill was issued (calculated as your previous bill (A) less payments received (B)).
• D. Interest charges.
• E. Charge for this bill which corresponds to 12. I at previous picture.
• F. Total due to date(6), which is a sum of this bill (E) + pending dues C + any interest charges (D).

• E. Consumption which is calculated by subtracting (14.C) from (14.D). An A indicates an actual reading (either by the meter reader or through a smart meter). An E indicates an estimated reading.

15. Educational or promotional material.

If you would like to pay through post you may cut out this section along the dotted lines. You may pay by card or by cheque. If this method of payment is selected, the Remittance Advice must be posted in the self paid envelope, along with the cheque or credit details.

17. Detailed breakdown of electricity charges.

18. A detailed breakdown of water charges.

19. This is a graphical representation of your consumption for electricity and water to help you manage your consumption better. The table next to the graph compares this year’s consumption with that of last year.

If you still have any questions contact specialists for assistance:

Water Services Corporation: Freephone 8007 2222 for assistance regarding queries related to your service or bill as well as any technical problems related to water supply, leakages and wastewater.

Enemalta: Freephone 8007 2224 for assistance with regards to technical problems related to electricity supply.

E-mail at customercare@arms.com.mt 

Postal Address: ARMS Ltd, P.O. Box 63, Marsa, MRS 1000, Malta.

By using different payment methods and understanding the contents of your utility bills, you can effectively manage and pay for electricity and water in Malta, ensuring continuous service and peace of mind.