FOLLOWING confirmation that the States will debate the Island’s Electricity Strategy as planned next month, the Confederation of Guernsey Industry has outlined its overall support of the Policy Letter following publication by Environment and Infrastructure.
During the consultation process carried out last year, the CGi raised concerns relating to the security of supply of electricity, maintaining energy affordability, identifying achievable targets for the development of renewable energy, the issue of regulation and the role of Guernsey Electricity plus the need to deliver prompt progress and real opportunities for local businesses.
Dave Newman, CGi chairman, said: ‘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.
‘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.’
The CGi’s other representations included a focus on solar power opportunities locally, which 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.
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 Electricity Strategy is due to be debated w/c 03 July.