Select a region
The Confederation of Guernsey industry (CGI) has put its support behind the proposed Electricity Strategy days before the States debate it.
Environment and Infrastructure will lead the debate, due to start on Wednesday.
E&I wants to discuss ways of utilising wind resources in conjunction with France and Jersey.
Pictured: Wednesday's debate on the Electricity Strategy will include a focus on wind farms.
The CGi did raise some concerns about the security of electricity supplies, Guernsey's ability to maintain energy affordability and ways of identifying achievable targets for renewable energy sources, during the consultation process last year.
It also raised concerns about the issue of regulation and the role of Guernsey Electricity, and the need to deliver prompt progress and real opportunities for local businesses.
The CGi also made representations during the consultation process about solar power opportunities locally, which it said would allow on-Island providers to invest in their businesses in support of this opportunity and the more proportionate and staged approach to regulation to avoid introducing unnecessary additional costs which would ultimately be passed on to consumers.
Dave Newman, CGi chairman, said some members feel the Electricity Strategy could have gone further, but he thinks most concerns have been addressed and he is happy to back it.
Pictured: Dave Newman, CGi Chairman.
"Security of supply and affordable energy are the absolute priorities for us and our members and we are pleased to see that pathway D does recognise this, along with adopting proven technology in the short to medium term and the ability to introduce novel technologies in the future if suited to Guernsey," said Mr Newman.
"Whilst there remain a few points we would disagree on and some areas where the strategy could have gone further to support our members’ interests, we feel that the Policy Letter has addressed our principal concerns and we are happy to offer our support for it."
Mr Newman added: "We have been waiting for the Electricity Strategy for a long time but are pleased that the preferred option from E&I appears to allow for progress towards achieving real outcomes for the industry and our community. We would therefore urge the States to approve the Policy Letter without delay."
The States debate, including the Electricity Strategy, is due to start any 09:30 on Wednesday 5 July.
States to debate the development of an offshore windfarm
Industry supports 'forward-thinking' electricity strategy
States face one of their biggest tests on electricity debate
OPINION: Why do we need an electricity strategy?
Independent group of deputies to unveil renewable energy ideas
LISTEN: Scoping reports on renewable energy
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.