Businesses in several Maltese localities are reporting operational disruption following electricity outages that have affected parts of the island in recent days, with some owners forced to suspend operations, provide emergency assistance, or relocate services.

The outages have been reported in a number of localities, including Birkirkara, Naxxar, Xgħajra, Kalkara, Żejtun and Mellieħa, among others.

Among those affected is Yana's Jewellery in Birkirkara. Speaking to WhosWho.mt, the shop's owner said the business experienced two power interruptions during the day.

According to the owner, electricity was unavailable during the morning before briefly returning, only to be cut again at around 3.30pm. Although power was restored by approximately 5.30pm, the shop had already closed for the day.

"We had already spent three months with roads closed while works were being carried out on the electricity infrastructure and other services, but the problem still hasn't been solved," she said.

The owner explained that without electricity, the business cannot operate essential systems, including cash registers, online sales platforms, delivery integrations, security cameras and air conditioning.

"I can't let my employees work in these conditions, particularly without air conditioning in this heat, so I closed the shop and sent everyone home," she said, adding that she hopes similar disruptions do not continue throughout the remainder of the summer, as it has practically just begun.

She also called for the authorities to investigate the recurring outages, arguing that protecting people's health and safety should be the priority.

Meanwhile, telecommunications retailer Phonitel, based in Naxxar, announced that it was offering free emergency USB Type-C charging to members of the public affected by the outages.

In a social media post, the company said the service is intended for people who rely on electricity for emergency medical devices or phones used for medical reasons, as well as for charging USB-C devices used by children, elderly family members or others who depend on them.

The retailer stressed that the service is being provided free of charge, with no purchase necessary, and encouraged people to share the information with anyone who may require assistance during the outages.

Childcare provider Playtime & Adventures, also based in Birkirkara, took a different approach after its premises lost power during the morning.

In a message shared with parents and followers, the company said it decided not to keep children in classrooms without air conditioning during the summer heat.

Instead, it arranged for the children to spend the day at another venue, thanking Soreda for accommodating them at short notice.

The childcare provider said parents were not charged any additional fees, describing the decision as one made with the children's wellbeing in mind rather than for commercial reasons.

The experiences shared by the three businesses show the varied ways they are responding to the continuing electricity disruptions, from temporary closures and emergency community support to adapting operations to maintain services safely.