Malta utilities setup: electricity, water, internet & gas
Everything you need to connect electricity, water, internet and the other essential services when moving into a rental in Malta: providers, costs and a move-in checklist.
Last updated
Quick overview: essential utilities
- Electricity
- ARMS Ltd
- Water
- Water Services Corporation
- Internet
- GO, Melita, Epic
- Gas
- Bottled LPG (Liquigas, Easygas)
Note
Utility setup procedures and costs may change. Always verify current requirements directly with providers. Prices mentioned are approximate and subject to change.
01Before Moving In: What to Check
Before signing a lease for an apartment in Malta, clarify utility arrangements with your landlord. This prevents surprises and ensures a smooth move-in.
Questions to ask your landlord
- Are utilities included in the rent, or paid separately?
- Are utility accounts in your name or the landlord's?
- What are the current meter readings for electricity and water?
- Is internet/TV service already installed?
- How is gas supplied (bottled or no gas)?
- Are there any outstanding utility bills?
Document meter readings
Always photograph the electricity and water meter readings on the day you move in. Have both you and the landlord sign a document confirming these readings. This protects you from being charged for the previous tenant’s consumption.
02Electricity (ARMS Ltd)
ARMS Ltd (Automated Revenue Management Services) is the sole provider of electricity billing in Malta. All residential properties are connected to the national grid, and you’ll need to register your account when moving in.
ARMS: contact
- Website
- arms.com.mt
- Customer care
- 8007 2200
- Service centres
- Marsa, Qormi
- E-services
- Online account & payments
How to register your account
- 1
Gather required documents
ID card/passport, rental contract, landlord's ID, and the property address.
- 2
Visit an ARMS service centre or apply online
Complete the change-of-tenancy form with your details.
- 3
Submit meter readings
Provide current meter readings to establish your starting point.
- 4
Set up a payment method
Direct debit, online payment, or pay at authorised outlets.
Electricity tariffs
Malta uses a tiered tariff system where the rate increases with consumption:
| Consumption band | Rate (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 0–2,000 kWh/year (eco-reduction) | €0.1047/kWh |
| 2,001–6,000 kWh/year | €0.1278/kWh |
| 6,001–10,000 kWh/year | €0.2627/kWh |
| Above 10,000 kWh/year | €0.3011/kWh |
Rates are indicative and subject to government subsidies and adjustments.
03Water Services
The Water Services Corporation (WSC) provides potable water throughout Malta. Water billing is typically combined with electricity through ARMS, making it convenient to manage both utilities together.
Water Services Corporation: contact
- Website
- wsc.com.mt
- Customer care
- 8007 2474
- Emergencies
- 2122 2373 (24/7)
Water quality in Malta
Malta’s tap water is safe to drink but has a high mineral content due to desalination. Many residents prefer to:
Common preferences
- Use water filters (jugs or under-sink systems)
- Purchase bottled water for drinking
- Install reverse-osmosis systems
Water-saving tip
Water in Malta is precious and relatively expensive. Simple habits like shorter showers, fixing leaky taps, and running washing machines with full loads can significantly reduce your bill.
04Internet & TV Providers
Malta has excellent broadband coverage with several providers offering high-speed internet. Most offer bundled packages combining internet, TV and mobile services.
GO
Malta's largest telecom provider, with extensive fibre coverage.
- Speeds: up to 1 Gbps fibre
- Bundles: internet, TV, mobile, landline
- Website: go.com.mt
- Prices from: ~€35/month
Melita
Major competitor offering cable and fibre services across Malta and Gozo.
- Speeds: up to 1 Gbps
- Bundles: internet, TV, mobile
- Website: melita.com
- Prices from: ~€30/month
Epic
Mobile-focused provider with fixed broadband options.
- Speeds: up to 500 Mbps
- Bundles: internet, mobile
- Website: epic.com.mt
- Prices from: ~€25/month
Installation process
What to expect
- Timeline: typically 3–7 working days from order to installation
- Costs: installation often free with contracts; equipment may require a deposit
- Contracts: usually 12–24 months; ask about early-termination fees
Check availability first
Not all providers have coverage in every area, especially in older buildings or rural locations. Check coverage on the provider websites before signing a lease if fast internet is essential for your work.
05Mobile Phone Services
Malta has three main mobile network operators, all offering 4G/5G coverage across the islands. You can choose between prepaid and postpaid plans.
| Provider | Prepaid from | Postpaid from | 5G |
|---|---|---|---|
| GO Mobile | €10/month | €15/month | Yes |
| Melita Mobile | €8/month | €12/month | Yes |
| Epic | €10/month | €15/month | Yes |
Getting a SIM card
The essentials
- What you need: a valid ID or passport for registration
- Where to buy: provider stores, supermarkets and convenience stores
- eSIM: available from most providers for compatible phones
06Gas (LPG)
Malta does not have a natural gas network. Properties that use gas rely on bottled LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), typically for cooking. Many modern apartments use electric cooktops instead.
Liquigas
- Phone
- 2124 7747
- Website
- liquigas.com.mt
Easygas
- Phone
- 2180 1234
- Website
- easygas.com.mt
How gas delivery works
Gas cylinders are delivered to your home and exchanged for empty ones. Most providers offer regular delivery schedules or on-demand ordering via phone or app.
Good to know
- A standard 12 kg cylinder costs roughly €25–30
- Typically lasts 4–8 weeks depending on usage
- First-time customers pay a refundable cylinder deposit
- Keep a spare cylinder to avoid running out
07Understanding Your Bills
Utility bills in Malta can seem complex at first. Here’s what you need to know about reading and managing your bills when renting property in Malta.
ARMS bill components
- Electricity charges
- Based on kWh consumed, calculated using tiered rates.
- Water charges
- Based on cubic metres (m³) consumed.
- Service charge
- Fixed quarterly fee for meter maintenance and billing.
- Eco-contribution
- Environmental levy applied to electricity consumption.
Billing frequency
How often you're billed
- ARMS (electricity/water): billed every 2 months
- Internet/TV: monthly billing
- Mobile: monthly (postpaid) or as needed (prepaid)
Set up direct debit
Most providers offer discounts or help you avoid late fees when you set up direct debit. Register for online accounts to monitor usage, submit meter readings and manage payments conveniently.
08Average Monthly Costs
Understanding typical utility costs helps you budget for your apartment rent in Malta. Costs vary based on apartment size, usage habits and season.
| Utility | 1-bed apt | 2-bed apt | 3-bed apt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €40–80 | €60–120 | €80–180 |
| Water | €15–25 | €20–35 | €25–45 |
| Internet | €25–45 | €25–45 | €25–45 |
| Gas (if used) | €5–10 | €8–15 | €10–20 |
| Total | €85–160 | €113–215 | €140–290 |
Summer months (June–September) typically see higher electricity costs due to air conditioning.
Air-conditioning costs
Running air conditioning in summer can double or triple your electricity bill. A/C units typically consume 1–3 kWh per hour. Using them wisely (setting to 24–25°C, using timers, maintaining filters) can significantly reduce costs.
09Money-Saving Tips
Smart habits can significantly reduce your utility costs when renting in Malta. Here are practical tips for keeping bills manageable.
Electricity savings
- Use LED bulbs: around 75% less energy than incandescent
- Set A/C to 24–25°C instead of lower temperatures
- Use fans instead of A/C when possible
- Unplug devices when not in use: standby power adds up
- Run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads
- Choose apartments with good natural ventilation
Water savings
- Take shorter showers: 5 mins vs 10 saves significant water
- Fix dripping taps immediately
- Use the half-flush option on toilets
- Report any leaks to your landlord promptly
- Don't leave water running while brushing teeth
Internet savings
- Compare providers and plans before committing
- Bundle services for discounts (internet + TV + mobile)
- Check for student/expat promotions
- Don't pay for speeds you don't need
- Negotiate when your contract is up for renewal
10Move-In Utilities Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure all utilities are properly set up when moving into your new rental.
Before move-in day
- Confirm utility payment arrangements with the landlord
- Check internet availability at the property address
- Order internet installation (allow ~1 week)
- Get a gas cylinder if needed for cooking
On move-in day
- Photograph electricity and water meter readings
- Test all electrical outlets and switches
- Check all taps and toilets for leaks
- Test the hot water heater
- Test air-conditioning units if applicable
First week
- Register/transfer the ARMS account to your name (if required)
- Set up an ARMS online account for meter readings
- Complete internet installation
- Get a Malta mobile SIM card if needed
- Set up direct debits for recurring bills
Frequently asked questions
Who supplies electricity and water in Malta?
ARMS Ltd handles electricity and water billing; the Water Services Corporation supplies the water itself. Both usually appear on one ARMS bill.
How do I set up electricity when I move in?
Register or transfer the ARMS account in your first week using your ID, rental contract and current meter readings, online or at an ARMS service centre.
Who are the main internet providers in Malta?
GO, Melita and Epic. Fibre is widely available, with entry plans from around €25–35 a month.
Does Malta have mains gas?
No. Properties that use gas rely on bottled LPG from suppliers like Liquigas and Easygas; many apartments use electric hobs instead.
How much are monthly utilities in Malta?
Roughly €85–290 a month depending on apartment size and season, with electricity highest in summer due to air conditioning.