Malta’s households are using more energy than ever before, with new Eurostat figures showing that household energy consumption has surged by 66% since 2015, the largest increase recorded anywhere in the European Union.To put that into perspective, Estonia ranked second with a 36% increase, meaning Malta’s rise was almost double that of the next country on the list.The increase comes as Malta continues to maintain some of the lowest household energy prices in the EU through a government subsidy scheme that has reportedly cost around €1 billion over the years.The policy has kept local energy prices at around €12 per 100kWh, shielding households from the sharp increases seen elsewhere across Europe.However, the subsidies have also sparked debate.Both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Central Bank of Malta have previously warned about the long-term cost of maintaining the scheme, with the Central Bank calling for a gradual exit strategy in 2025 to reduce fiscal and environmental pressures.The figures also highlight Malta’s ongoing energy challenges.According to the data, only 16% of Malta’s energy comes from renewable sources, significantly below the EU’s target of 42.5% by 2030.Meanwhile, fossil fuels account for nearly 85% of the country’s electricity generation, making Malta one of the bloc’s most fossil fuel-dependent countries in this area.Transport remains Malta’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for around 46% of the total.The figures are likely to reignite the debate over whether Malta should continue subsidising energy prices or begin transitioning towards a system that encourages lower consumption and greater investment in renewable energy.Should Malta keep energy subsidies in place, or is it time to start phasing them out?•