At the time the problem was described as ‘a cable fault’ with Guernsey Electricity later confirming it was the “cable protection system for the electricity link between Guernsey and Jersey (GJ1)” that had been at fault, which had in turn, “turned the cable off.”
By the end of November that fault was said to have been fixed, with the utility firm’s Chief Operating Officer saying tests had been done to ensure everything is working properly, which GEL said it was at that time.
Sally-Ann David said at the time that the cable would have on-going monitoring before it returned to full service, but now it’s been revealed that the cable’s capability has been reduced even further, so more tests can be carried out.
Pictured: The site of the previous cable fault – but now the GJ1 cable is said to be at fault in a different location.
In a statement, Guernsey Electricity said the previous repair jobs were a success, but the only way we’re assured of getting our power needs met at the moment is through on-island generation.
“Following the successful repair and re-energisation of the GJ1 cable between Guernsey and Jersey in November, monitoring continued to assess whether the condition of the cable was stable before returning it to full service.
“Unfortunately, this monitoring revealed a potential issue with the cable in a different location, approximately 9 kilometres offshore from Jersey.
“Further testing is necessary before we can return the cable to full service. Until then the load on the link has been reduced whilst we work with the cable manufacturer to determine the most appropriate course of action. We are hopeful that further evaluation will establish the exact nature of the issue and what impact this may have on the operation of the cable.
“On-island electricity is being provided by the Vale power station to supplement the reduced supply from the cable and meet island demand.”
Alan Bates, the Chief Executive Officer of Guernsey Electricity, was not available for interview.
Pictured: Guernsey Electricity is producing more power on-island than it would usually like, due to another cable fault.