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Guernsey is doing its bit as a good neighbour by reducing our dependence on the European grid this winter, says the boss of Guernsey Electricity.
Alan Bates, Chief Executive Officer of Guernsey Electricity Limited, announced this week that the island will be generating more of its own power for the next few months while it takes less through the cable link with France.
The utility has said this decision was made in response to the "energy crisis on the continent".
GEL's contract with Electricité de France (EDF) means we buy the majority of the power used on-island from the national provider. Guernsey Electricity can also generate at its Vale power station but that is more expensive and not as environmentally sound.
The firm says that ordinarily "more than 94% of our electricity is imported from Europe from renewable, sustainable sources". It also says that "importing electricity today is the bridge to tomorrow's technology and will enable more local renewables".
Pictured: Alan Bates, CEO Guernsey Electricity.
With costs rising and supplies at risk across Europe, GEL has agreed that, "if necessary, it will reduce the amount of energy it imports from Europe this Winter, in response to the energy crisis on the continent".
Mr Bates said that a number of considerations were taken into account when these decisions were made.
“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," he said.
“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 negotiations.
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