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A plan is in the works that could see both the ongoing Sark Electricity problems resolved and the island pushed towards more sustainable energy all in one go.
Following consultation from a University of London Senior Research Fellow, a 'Sark Green Deal' has been put together.
According to the Director of Sark Electricity, it has all of the steps necessary to stop the "haemorrhage of funds from the island", to reduce the costs of electricity and to allow Sark to have reliable energy independence again.
This announcement was made in a letter to Sark Electricity Customers, where David Gordon-Brown confirmed a date for his November meeting. This meeting, now set for 28 November, was aimed at trying to resolve the once again brewing crisis over how expensive Sark electricity prices were becoming.
"In November last year, the Seigneur invited Chris Cook, a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Strategy, Resilience & Security, University College London, to visit Sark to assist if possible, in resolving the situation. Since then, Chris Cook, whose background includes six years as a global energy market regulator, has twice visited Sark to consult key stakeholders and his proposed solution is now at the stage where I believe it is time for our customers to consider it and decide if they agree with this approach," Mr Gordon Brown said.
l look forward to outlining #SarkGreenDeal aimed at resolving an intractable public/private conflict & transition to a low carbon/low energy cost Sark economy towards a goal of Sark energy independence https://t.co/u9KbW7uv5d @sarktwit @AlmostSenseless @izakaminska @jemimajoanna
— Chris Cook (@cjenscook) November 4, 2019
"The proposed Sark Green Deal appears to have all the elements necessary to stop the hemorrhage of funds from the island, to reduce electricity costs and bring to bear the investment necessary for Sark to achieve and sustain energy independence. Building upon the work of Chief Pleas working groups and the recent Exeter University energy study this proposal aims firstly to resolve existing issues and secondly to set out a roadmap for a transition to a low carbon Sark energy economy extending to heat, power & mobility."
Pictured: David Gordon-Brown.
While this deal could see all of the island working together to reach a solution, Chief Pleas and SEL have still been at odds in recent times.
Mr Gordon-Brown is claiming the sky-high costs are necessary for him to break even and keep the island's generators running, but Sark's Government-hired Price Commissioner has claimed otherwise, accusing Sark Electricity of what essentially amounts to greed.
This has left residents of the island paying very high rates, but all wanting to avoid a similar situation to the one which arose this time last year, where for a time, it looked as if Sark may find itself without any power at all.
Looking forwards to attending this presentation. Very much hoping to find a sustainable solution - economically, socially & environmentally - for the future of our vulnerable small island community.#SarkEnergy #SarkGreenDeal https://t.co/S6aVUcSx4c
— Paul Armorgie (@SarkTwit) November 4, 2019
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