Moving to Malta is an exciting adventure, whether it’s for work, study, or a change of lifestyle. However, settling into daily life comes with practical challenges—like setting up your electricity and water services. This guide is here to help expats and newcomers understand how these utilities work in Malta, what to expect in terms of costs, and how to make the most of your usage.
Who Provides Utilities in Malta?
In Malta, two main providers manage your essential services:
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Enemalta – the national electricity distributor
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Water Services Corporation (WSC) – responsible for water supply and wastewater management
Both are government-run and serve all residential properties on the islands.
Is Everything Already Connected in My Rental?
In most cases, yes. If you’re renting, your electricity and water will likely already be connected. However, this doesn’t always mean everything is sorted. You’ll want to ensure:
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The account is registered under your name (if the landlord allows)
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The billing rate is set to residential and not domestic
Many expats miss the difference between these two rates. The domestic rate is designed for landlords and comes with higher fees, while residential rates are more favourable for tenants.
How to Transfer or Open an ARMS Account
Utilities in Malta are managed by ARMS Ltd (Automated Revenue Management Services). If you want the account in your name (which gives you control over billing and rate type), you’ll need to:
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Download and fill in the Form H (Change in Occupancy)
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Provide your rental agreement and identification documents
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Submit the documents either online or at an ARMS office
The process can take a few weeks, so it’s wise to get it sorted soon after moving in.
Understanding Your Utility Bill
Bills in Malta typically arrive every two months and cover both water and electricity in one invoice. Here’s how charges are broken down:
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Electricity is billed based on usage tiers (the more you use, the higher the rate)
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Water follows a similar tiered pricing system
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The bill also includes meter rental and Eco Contribution fees
Sample Costs:
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A single person may pay around €40–€60 every two months
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A small family could expect €80–€120 or more, depending on AC/heating use
How to Pay Your Bills
Bills can be paid via:
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ARMS website (with a reference number)
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Local post offices or ARMS offices
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Online banking
Some landlords handle the bills and include them in the rent. Always clarify this in your rental agreement.
Energy Conservation Tips (Especially for Summer and Winter)
Utilities in Malta can be pricey, especially with heavy air-conditioning use in the summer or electric heating in the winter. Here are a few ways to keep your bills down:
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Use fans instead of air-conditioning whenever possible
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Switch off appliances completely rather than leaving them on standby
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Wash clothes on lower temperature settings
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Avoid electric heaters if you can – opt for gas heaters or warm clothing indoors
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Close blinds and curtains during hot afternoons to keep your home cooler naturally
Being energy-conscious not only saves you money but helps reduce strain on Malta’s small national grid.
What Happens If There’s a Power Cut or Water Shortage?
Although rare, power cuts and water outages do happen, especially during peak usage in summer. In such cases:
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Report issues to Enemalta (for power) or WSC (for water) via their hotlines or websites
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Follow local Facebook groups or council pages for updates – these often share information faster than official channels
Keep candles or rechargeable lights on hand just in case, and consider filling a couple of bottles with water during very hot months as a precaution.
Water Quality in Malta
Tap water in Malta is technically safe to drink, but many locals and expats prefer to drink bottled water due to its high mineral content and taste. Installing a tap filter or using a water dispenser service are popular alternatives.
Final Tips for Expats
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Always double-check the billing name and rate when you move in
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Ask your landlord to assist with ARMS forms if needed
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Monitor your usage via meter readings – don’t wait for a surprise bill
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Store digital copies of all submitted documents in case of follow-up
Conclusion
Setting up and managing your electricity and water services in Malta may seem daunting at first, but with the right information, it’s a straightforward process. As an expat, staying informed and proactive will help you avoid common pitfalls—like being charged too much or dealing with unnecessary delays.
If you’re looking to enjoy life in Malta stress-free, sorting out your utilities early on is a smart move. Stay organised, use energy wisely, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.