More than 100 people attended a rally on Saturday, outside the Guernsey Electricity showroom and offices, to protest price hikes by the utility.
The demonstration, organised by Myles Duquemin, opposed Guernsey Electricity’s fourth consecutive annual price hike.
It follows increases of 9% in 2022, 13% in 2023, and 10% in 2024.
Mr Duquemin said some people are angry at these price rises, while others are worried about how they will afford the basics in their own home. He said some people are already forced to choose between heating and eating.
“A lot of people in attendance today are suffering with cancer. They can’t afford it. They are on the red line. They’re suffering so so badly that this increases is going to push them further and further into poverty and they can’t keep up with it anymore.”
Since launching his protect, Mr Duquemin has held positive talks with Guernsey Electricity, which has said it intends to vary the standing charge in the future.
It also announced improved support for struggling customers, including doubling emergency credit for prepayment meters, and offering “payment holidays”.
Mr Duquemin said he’s trying to work with the organisation to make life easier and better for those already struggling.
“I’m not trying to make Guernsey electricity the enemy. They’re who we want to work with, because they’re not going anywhere
“It’s the fact that they didn’t handle it very well. They told everybody, ‘oh, here’s the increase. Deal with it.’ It was so poorly explained to everybody, and it was just so far above inflation. Yeah, okay, they have costs. Yeah, okay, they need to maintain the infrastructure, but where are they going with it? It’s so unrealistic to put it that far above inflation year after year, and just expect people not to speak up.”
Addressing the crowd on Saturday morning, Mr Duquemin called on the utility, and successful candidates in this week’s election, to tackle the issue of increasing electricity costs.
“Just by being here today, you’ve shown how serious this is — and how much it matters to all of us. We used to be an island full of hope, full of community spirit. A place where people looked out for each other. Where you could live, work, and build a future.
“That’s slipping away, but it’s not gone yet. This is our home. Not a playground for the rich. Not a place where basic needs are treated like luxuries.”
Mr Duquemin continued by stating the importance of energy, and the drive to continue the fight if needed.
“Electricity is a right, not a privilege. Public leadership is about action, not titles. Transparency is a need, not a want.
“We’ve been patient. We’ve been quiet. Now we’re speaking up, and we won’t stop until things change.”
Mr Duquemin plans to submit a petition with more than 1,300 signatures at the next States meeting on 1 July.
That is when the newly elected States will elect the island’s President of Policy and Resources. That committee is intended to drive States work over the coming term of office.
Among the 10 candidates who took the time to attend the protest on Saturday morning were John Gollop and Garry Collins, with the latter addressing the crowd.