Friday 26 October 2012
The security of Guernsey's electricity supply is the first topic to be considered by the Scrutiny Committee this political term. The Committee will consider whether the current security of electricity supply policy is meeting the needs of the people of Guernsey and will be asking Islanders for their views.
The review will involve assessing the policies of the States of Guernsey in securing electricity supply for Guernsey. A review panel has been appointed by the Committee to undertake this review, comprising the Committee's Chair, Alderney Representative Paul Arditti and Deputies Matt Fallaize, Peter Gillson, Paul Le Pelley and Scott Ogier.
Scrutiny Committee Chair, Paul Arditti said:
"For its first review this political term, the Scrutiny Committee wants to look at an issue that is important to the people of Guernsey. In the past year, Islanders have seen an increase in occurrences of power cuts and electricity prices because of breaks in supply, and need to be assured that the current 'n-2' policy[1] applied by the States of Guernsey is suitable to secure electricity supply now and in the future.
"With technological advances, the world is increasingly dependent on electricity - at home, at work and socially - and for this reason it is essential that a secure electricity supply policy is in place which meets the Island's demands".
The complete Terms of Reference can be downloaded from the document below.
Mr Arditti said:
"This review focuses specifically on reviewing the security of electricity supply policy Guernsey currently has in place. This will include evaluating how it is determined, implemented, monitored, reviewed and, above all, whether it is the right option for Guernsey".
The Panel has launched a consultation inviting written submissions on any, or all of, the areas set out in the review's Terms of Reference. This invite is open to any interested party who feels they have something to contribute on this subject.
The consultation will close on Friday 7 December 2012 and anyone interested in writing to the Committee as part of this review should pick up a copy of the 'review consultation' document - either from the Sir Charles Frossard House reception, the download document below, or request a copy from the Scrutiny Committee office (scrutiny@gov.gg or telephone 717223).
In respect of the consultation, Mr Arditti said:
"The consultation aspect of this review is critical to gathering information that the Panel can use to determine the effectiveness of Guernsey's security of electricity supply policy.
"I would urge any interested parties, be it members of the public, businesses, business groups or consumer groups, to take the time to write to the Committee on any, or all of, the areas set out in the review's Terms of Reference."
Further to analysis of the consultation responses, the review panel will then consider whether it is necessary to hold public hearings, in order to gather additional evidence from key stakeholders and to ask questions on the research and information provided.
Mr Arditti added:
"The Panel looks forward to progressing its investigations as part of this review and I hope members of the public, and interested parties, engage in the consultation processes for this review and the Committee's second review - the "who 'regulates' the financial services regulator" review, which will commence in a few weeks time".
Contact information:
Telephone: 01481 717223
[1] The States of Guernsey's current security of electricity supply policy is the 'n-2' policy. This policy requires retaining sufficient sources of electricity to meet requirements, in any circumstances where two such sources (the Channel Islands Electricity Grid (CIEG) cable link to France or on-island generators) are unavailable at the same time.
