Guernsey Electricity says it’s increasing its support for vulnerable customers and those struggling to pay their electricity bills.

It comes following discussions with local charities, and support groups like the Guernsey Electricity Customer Support Forum, and ahead of a public protest this weekend in response to concerns over the upcoming tariff increases.

The utility told Express that it appreciates the tariff increases coming in from 1 July “will have an impact on customers that are already struggling with the cost of living”.

The company later made a statement highlighting the reasons for the increase, including a current level of debt for the company of £50m, which requires £4m a year.

GEL says the new support measures are to help customers manage the cost of living and the upcoming electricity tariff increase, adding that staff recognise some customers are already struggling.

Some of the proposed ‘key extensions to support’ include doubling the emergency credit on prepayment meters from £5 to £10, and by offering one-time ‘payment holidays’ or account freezes for customers who have experienced difficult life events such as a bereavement or illness.

GEL says it will also be looking at providing extended repayment plans, on a case-by-case basis.

GEL also wants to encourage customers to contact them as soon as they anticipate difficulties.

“We are aware that customers are struggling with the cost of living, and the concerns this could raise with the upcoming electricity tariff increase,” said Steven Parks, the Head of Customer Experience.

“GEL already offers a wide range of support for those who may be struggling, but we are always looking to do more.”

Mr Parks continued: “We hope that these additional measures can go some way to helping those most in need, and we appreciate the continued engagement of the members of our Customer Support Forum. Our advice to customers is always to contact us as soon as possible if you are worried about falling into difficulty.

“Our friendly customer service team are trained to deal with a range of circumstances and can work with you to find the best possible solution.”

GEL said it is committed to providing customers with a range of information about how to use energy ‘efficiently’, including hosting an expanded ‘Powering Life for Less Show’ later this year.