ACE expresses concern on negative financial impact caused by power outages

The Association of Catering Establishments on Friday expressed serious concern in view of the current frequent and at times long power outages the country is experiencing over the past few days.

ACE said it is very concerned about the negative financial impact such power shortages are having on the catering industry. A negative financial impact caused by the loss of raw materials as well as abrupt loss of sales during peak season.

Many establishments in various localities have reported no power supply for whole day long stretches, which seriously cripples their daily sales and storage of refrigerated supplies. The fact ACE members are having to close for business and refuse bookings in peak July is unacceptable.

A negative impact which adds to the multitude of challenges the industry is already facing which includes human resources issues and a discriminatory work regulation order, the challenges and costs incurred experienced by the introduction of the BCRS scheme, and to add insult to injury various road works all over Malta and Gozo during summer disrupting their day-to-day business.

Whilst ACE expressed solidarity towards its members, it called on the government and Enemalta for prompt action and stressed the need for a clear energy strategy to avoid similar situations in the months and years to come.