Enemalta chairman resigned for ‘personal reasons’

Enemalta chairman Jonathan Scerri has resigned from his role, citing “personal reasons”, less than a year after he was appointed.

A spokesperson for the Ministry for Energy said Ing. Scerri’s resignation would not precipitate any changes at the top, as he was a non-executive chairperson and did not occupy any executive role.

Ing. Scerri was appointed chairman in October, at the same time that Jonathan Cardona was appointed CEO.

Last summer, the energy distributor received flak for a significant number of power cuts as the country suffered repeated heatwaves. The problem was blamed on ageing distribution infrastructure.

Asked whether Enemalta is ready for what is expected to be another hot summer, and if Ing. Scerri’s departure would disrupt any ongoing plans, the Ministry spokesperson said the company has been intensifying an action plan to strengthen its distribution network and the same team will continue working on that plan.

Contacted by BusinessNow.mt last month, Enemalta said that over the last year it has “accelerated its investment programme aimed at reinforcing the distribution system in several localities.”

“These works,” the company said, “which are part of a long-term plan, include upgrades in distribution centres and substations. Approximately 40 new substations have been commissioned, while kilometres of new feeders and cables have been laid.”

Minister for Energy Miriam Dalli meanwhile thanked Ing. Scerri for the work carried out.