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The boss of Guernsey Electricity has told Express that he doesn't expect people to sit in the dark, eating a cold dinner but he has offered some hints and tips for how to reduce power usage between peak times each evening.
Last week it was announced that Guernsey will be generating more power on-island this winter so we can reduce our reliance on the cable link with France.
Alan Bates, Chief Executive Officer of Guernsey Electricity Limited, said this decision was made in response to the "energy crisis on the continent".
With costs rising and supplies at risk across Europe, he said that: “We want to be a good neighbour and help Europe during this energy crisis, as many countries are starting to introduce stringent measures to restrict consumption.
“Whilst we deploy the power station every winter during times of peak demand, there was a need for us to carefully consider the support we provide alongside the environmental impact of further utilising the diesel generators.”
If that does happen then GEL will be refunded for the cost of any imported power that is not shared with us through the existing agreement.
Mr Bates told Express that it will also put Guernsey in a good position for future contract negotiations.
Pictured: Alan Bates, CEO Guernsey Electricity.
Alongside announcing the decision to generate more, and import less, power this winter, Mr Bates also asked consumers to reduce the amount of electricity used between 17:00 and 19:00 each evening.
That is the peak time of demand for power, and Mr Bates said by reducing usage then the island could reduce how much on island generation there is.
He assured Express this does not mean families sitting in the dark, eating sandwiches by candle light, playing board games each night. He said it is more about using appliances wisely - including turning washing machines and dishwashers on later in the evening.
Mr Bates said demand reduces between 21:00 and 05:00 each night. By running appliances during that time it is often cheaper for homeowners and means less demand for power from the station on north side.
Homeowners have varying 'cheap rate' timezones - which normally give two hours at a lower tariff during the day and an overnight period too.
Mr Bates said using Economy 12 effectively is better for consumers as well as GEL. As an example it will cost about half as much to run a washing machine during the 'cheap rate' then during the normal rate time zones.
LISTEN: GEL boss explains how we're helping Europe
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