Enemalta engineers have issued a direct appeal to households and businesses across the island: set air conditioners to 25°C or higher to prevent summertime grid overloads and reduce the risk of supply constraints during record-breaking heat.
The guidance comes as Malta faces a surge in cooling demand that now accounts for over 40% of peak electricity consumption during July and August afternoons, according to internal Enemalta data reviewed by energy analysts. With global electricity demand projected to climb 3.6% annually through 2030, and cooling responsible for more than one-fifth of that growth, the pressure on Malta's interconnected grid infrastructure is mounting.
Why This Matters
• Cost impact: Summer residential electricity bills rose 10.5% from last year—from €660 in 2025 to €730 in 2026—part of a 39% increase since 2020.
• Grid stability: Peak demand between 15:00 and 19:00 now regularly pushes Malta's generating capacity to its limit, forcing reliance on the Sicily interconnector for additional power imports.
• Energy savings: Raising your thermostat by just 1°C can cut cooling costs by 2-3% per eight-hour period, which compounds to approximately 16% savings over a full summer season.
The Science Behind the 25°C Standard
Sustainable energy experts consulted by Malta's Energy and Water Agency argue that the sweet spot for residential cooling lies between 25°C and 26°C. At temperatures below 25°C, the air conditioning compressor must run almost continuously to remove heat and humidity from warm incoming air. At 25°C or above, the unit can cycle on and off, using far less electricity while maintaining comfort without excessive strain.
Energy Star guidelines, now adopted by regulators in several EU member states, recommend 26°C when occupants are home, 29°C when the property is vacant, and 28°C overnight. These figures are calibrated to slow heat gain through walls and windows, reducing the frequency with which the compressor activates.
In practice, a household that drops its thermostat to 22°C on a hot afternoon uses approximately 16% more electricity over eight hours compared to a neighbor who sets it to 25°C, according to energy efficiency research. Across Malta's approximately 200,000 residential units, that difference translates to tens of megawatts during peak hours—enough to strain transformer stations and trigger voltage fluctuations in vulnerable neighborhoods.
What This Means for Residents
For the average Maltese household, the practical implication is straightforward: every degree of over-cooling costs money and increases pressure on the grid. But the challenge is behavioral. Many residents, accustomed to setting thermostats at 20°C or 21°C, perceive higher settings as uncomfortable—even though ceiling fans and proper ventilation can offset the difference.
Surveys conducted by the Malta Energy Efficiency Unit in 2025 found that 67% of respondents set their AC between 20°C and 23°C, well below the recommended range. Cultural norms—particularly the association of aggressive cooling with modernity and comfort—play a significant role, as does limited awareness about the relationship between thermostat settings and grid stability.
Energy consultants working with the Malta Resources Authority suggest a three-step approach:
Pre-cool before peak hours: Run the AC at 24°C from 13:00 to 15:00, then raise it to 26°C during the late-afternoon peak, relying on residual coolness and fans.
Use fans strategically: A ceiling fan running at medium speed creates a wind-chill effect equivalent to lowering the thermostat by 2-3°C, at a fraction of the electricity cost.
Deploy smart thermostats: Programmable devices can automatically adjust settings when you leave home, preventing the common mistake of cooling an empty apartment all day.
Commercial properties—offices, retail spaces, hotels—face additional scrutiny. Several European jurisdictions now mandate minimum AC temperatures in public buildings, typically 24°C to 26°C, to conserve energy during heatwaves. While Malta has not yet enacted such a regulation, Energy Ministry officials have hinted that voluntary compliance targets for the hospitality sector could be announced soon.
Regional Precedents
Other Mediterranean and regional governments have pursued similar strategies. Spain, Italy, and Greece have implemented energy-conservation measures for public buildings as part of the EU's 2050 climate-neutrality roadmap. These initiatives demonstrate that demand-side management—encouraging consumers to use less energy during peak periods—remains one of the most cost-effective tools for grid stability.
International research shows consistent patterns: cooling at higher temperatures reduces both electricity consumption and peak demand. The practical challenge is behavioral adoption among residents unfamiliar with the relationship between thermostat settings and grid strain.
The Economics of Comfort
For households on Enemalta's standard residential tariff, the arithmetic is significant. With retail electricity prices climbing due to interconnector maintenance costs, fuel surcharges, and renewable-energy levies, the average summer bill has risen 39% since 2020. A family that runs two split-unit ACs at 22°C for eight hours daily can expect to spend €120 to €150 per month on cooling alone during July and August.
Raising both units to 25°C and deploying ceiling fans would trim that figure by €20 to €30, according to simulations run by Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology engineering students. Over a four-month cooling season, the savings approach €100—enough to offset rising living costs.
The broader economic rationale extends beyond individual bills. Peak electricity demand drives infrastructure investment: transformer upgrades, substation expansion, and emergency generation capacity. These costs are ultimately socialized through tariff adjustments. By moderating afternoon demand, residential and commercial users collectively reduce the need for capital expenditure, helping keep future rate hikes in check.
Taking Action
Energy auditors propose a mix of incentives and public messaging to encourage adoption:
• Time-of-use tariffs charge higher rates during peak hours, encouraging users to shift consumption. Pilot programs involving 1,200 households have shown promise.
• Smart thermostats, subsidized through EU cohesion funds, are being distributed to low-income families.
• Public campaigns featuring local personalities aim to normalize the 25°C standard before the summer peak season.
Looking Ahead
As Malta expands its solar-generation capacity and phases out older fossil-fuel plants, the mismatch between afternoon cooling demand and renewable supply will intensify. Battery storage systems under construction in Marsa and Delimara will help, but demand-side management—convincing consumers to use less energy when the grid is strained—remains essential.
For now, the message from Enemalta and independent energy experts is consistent: 25°C is the practical standard for summer cooling. Whether that advice translates into widespread behavior change will determine not only the stability of Malta's summer grid, but also the affordability of electricity for everyone on the island.
