A potential buyer of Sark Electricity Limited has criticised Chief Pleas – after a statement was made diminishing its financial credibility.
Island Power has been linked with a possible takeover of SEL since 2019, but no deal has ever been agreed.
The current owner of SEL wants to sell to Island Power, but is instead embroiled in a compulsory purchase planned by Chief Pleas.
During the Sark parliament’s Michaelmas meeting last week, the island’s senior politician gave a statement updating the island on the compulsory purchase process.
Conseiller John Guille said: “The objective is to ensure Sark has a safe, reliable and affordable electricity supply for generations to come by bringing it into community ownership”.
He explained how the planned compulsory purchase will go through stages to reach that end result.
He also dismissed claims by SEL’s owner that Island Power was a viable alternative buyer for the utility.
“Discussions between Island Power and Sark, not involving SEL, have been held several times since 2019, the most recent being in April 2025,” explained Conseiller Guille. “None of the proposals presented were considered to have been financially credible, technically appropriate, suitable from a community perspective, or compliant with the tender process.”
A spokesman for Island Power has said that extract from Conseiller Guille’s statement is “a complete distortion of the reality of our relationship with Sark over seven years and numerous visits”.
In issuing a ‘request for retraction’ to Chief Pleas, Island Power has given examples of its commitment to providing a community solution to Sark’s electricity needs, and evidence of its financial credentials.
“We do not believe the recent public statement accurately reflects this reality and we are concerned that the adversarial stance of Chief Pleas is not conducive to resolving present challenges. By contrast, Island Power’s collaborative approach is focused on accelerated delivery of financially and energy efficient solutions for the benefit of Sark.
“We therefore welcome the opportunity to meet Sark energy users, whatever their office, in small groups, to listen to concerns directly and to collaborate on solutions.
“Our common purpose is to secure an energy independent future for Sark through safe and financially sound energy systems, firmly held by the community through Sark Energy Unlimited.”