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Gas supply shutdown hits homes and businesses across the island

Gas supply shutdown hits homes and businesses across the island

Saturday 07 October 2023

Gas supply shutdown hits homes and businesses across the island

Saturday 07 October 2023


Homes and businesses across the island have been hit by an island-wide gas supply shutdown resulting from a loss of power at the Island Energy plant.

People said that their boilers and cookers had no gas supply and hotels complained that they had no way of cooking breakfast for guests – and no indication when the supply would be restored.

"An interruption to the power supply"

After hours without any updates, islanders have now been asked to turn off their gas supply, as Island Energy has said that it will "take some time to be re-instated".

The update further said that "engineers are on the ground" helping commercial and domestic customers to turn of their supplies. Full advice can be found here.

Earlier this morning, many said that they had tried ringing Island Energy’s 24-hour emergency number but had got no reply.

In a statement issued at around 9.30am, Island Energy apologised and confirmed they had “experienced an interruption to the power supply at our gas plant in Jersey".

“We’ve isolated the issue and as part of our standard procedures we’ve closed the gas network to residential and commercial customers," the statement continued.

“We are working to bring supply back online as soon as we can and apologise for the inconvenience this is causing."

Police have also issued a statement that said they are “aware of an island-wide gas supply issue from Island Energy" and advised islanders to call the helpline.

Communication concerns 

Matt Jones, who runs the Moorings Hotel and Restaurant in Gorey, tweeted: “No gas for cooking this morning, phone private engineer who informs island-wide issue. Not a peep from Jersey Gas and no answer on Emergency Helpline…”

He added in a second post: “Lack of information is from Jersey Gas is not helpful, we are unable to operate our business and can’t even communicate with our guests as to when they might expect a hot breakfast.”

"Significant issue" for hospitality

Dominic Jones, who runs JPRestaurants, predicted serious disruption for other businesses.

"A much needed sunny day for Jersey Hospitality and no gas in the island. If not addressed soon will be a signifiant issue for trading today for sector.
JPRestaurants' sites are all electric, save Jersey Crab Shack Gorey where we are making plans to ensure we have plenty to serve," he said.

He also criticised Island Energy over their communications, noting that regular updates had been promised.

"The company says it's posting regular updates on its social media. One post several hours after the supply went down. Same on FB too," he noted on X.

Another islander noted that the website address on a link the utility company had shared on X was incorrect.

ADVICE...

Island Energy has advised customers and businesses affected to take the following steps:

  • Turn off any gas appliances that were in use

  • If you know where it is, turn off the gas supply at the meter (emergency control valve)

  • Do not attempt to use any gas appliances or turn on the supply until it has been checked by Island Energy authorised personnel.

Island Energy said those who are concerned can contact them on 01534 755555, noting that "phone lines will be busy, please bear with us" or via their website.

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