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Sark's Seigneur will use skills developed during his army career to ensure the island is not plunged into darkness if the electricity supply is switched off later this month.
Major Christopher Beaumont - who inherited his title from his father in 2016 - has written to all Sark residents to reassure them as the dispute between Sark Electricity and Chief Pleas powers on.
David Gordon-Brown, who owns Sark Electricity, has said he is losing too much money since Chief Pleas forced him to cut prices earlier this year. He has threatened to turn off the power supply at the end of November - having offered Chief Pleas the chance to take on the utility, which the Gordon-Brown family have owned and run since 1947. The island's government has so far refused to buy or take over Sark Electricity but insists its price controls are fair.
The Seigneur has now said turning off the power would be wrong.
"This action would be unacceptable and a threat to the wellbeing of the whole island," he said. "I intend to do all in my power to ensure the threat is either withdrawn or that it is countered in such a way as to minimise the possible consequences."
Major Beaumont said if Mr Gordon-Brown goes through with his threat to pull the plug, there will be a loss of power for at least six hours.
The island has bought in generators to try and keep the power on but these are expected to offer a limited supply to key areas including the Island Hall, the Avenue and the doctor's premises.
Pictured: Generators have been taken over to Sark to try and keep the power on.
Major Beaumont said he and Chief Pleas are in continued discussions with counterparts in Guernsey and the UK and all options are being explored "in order to construct comprehensive contingency plans which will resume the supply of electricity to everyone on the island.
Responding to Mr Gordon-Brown's claims that switching off the power will depopulate the island, the Seigneur said it won't.
"I feel sure that where the German Occupation failed, so will he.
"I certainly have no intention of letting that happen, especially as he is refusing to abide by a fair independent ruling and Sark law."
Pictured: Sark Electricity's website lays bare the extent of the problem, with the utility firm also responsible for water supplies and other infrastructure.
It's widely acknowledged that Sark pays an extremely high price for its power - with the price currently 52p per unit. This compares to 17p per kw/h in Guernsey or an average of 14p per unit in the UK.
Sark's water supply is mainly provided through boreholes, meaning it relies on the island's electricity supply.
The Seigneur said he is working with the island's emergency services and will be available during any "arising crisis" citing his Army career which gave him experience in running operations.
He has also called on Sark residents to offer their help in anyway if they can.
"I urge all of you to prepare to help in whatever way you can shaped we need assistance. It may only require that you check on your neighbours, but you may be able to offer much more.
"If you have skills, or simply the desire to help, please let our Chief Fire Officer, or me, know what you can offer."
Pictured: The letter sent by the Sark Seigneur to all island residents.
In a separate letter, written by Mr Gordon-Brown to the Guardian newspaper, he again said Chief Pleas is to blame for the situation.
He referred to "another, darker, side to this story" which could lead to Sark being left in the dark.
Mr Gordon-Brown accused Chief Pleas of being "an unprofessional and seriously dysfunctional government that feels entitled to take control of the electricity supply without paying for it. Over six years, this has cost the company over £500,000 defending itself – almost a year’s turnover."
His letter, which can be read in full here, accused Chief Pleas of the "unusual case of a government shooting the entire electorate in the foot."
Pictured top: Major Christopher Beaumont, the Sark Seigneur.
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