Competition Regulator to undertake a study into electricity market

Friday 20 October 2023

The supply of electricity in Jersey will be reviewed by the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority, in the latest in a series of market studies.

The study is set to consider how the electricity market operates and to understand if there are features of the market that might impact competition and consumer benefits.

The study will also take into consideration the previous study of the market that the JCRA carried out in 2012.

Peter Hetherington, the JCRA'S Chief Economist, said: “Electricity is an unavoidable household expense and a substantial portion of household expenditure.

"We are very aware that, in the current economic climate, there is significant pressure on household budgets, and it is appropriate that we take a closer look at this market to consider if it is working well for consumers.

"The Authority last reviewed the market in 2012. This study is being launched in the context of the continuing public debate on ‘cost of living’ as well as alongside Government of Jersey’s drive for decarbonisation.”

A market study is a flexible tool to explore whether a market, or feature of a market, is working well for Jersey consumers. A market study is on the structure and behaviour of the market itself, not the action of any specific business or organisation.

Recent Market Studies conducted by the JCRA have included Groceries, School Uniforms, Freight Logistics, Telecoms Retail Pricing and Alcohol Pricing and Promotions.

Formal work on the Electricity Market Study will start in October 2023, and completion is expected by the end of quarter three 2024.

Pictured top: Peter Hetherington, the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority's Chief Economist.