Responses to a customer survey could help guide how Guernsey Electricity’s tariffs evolve in the future.
The utility has said the survey “presents an opportunity to help shape the future of electricity on the island”.
Being carried out by Island Global Research, the survey includes a series of questions so GEL can gauge feedback on the various motivations it currently offers to customers to encourage them to change how they use electricity.
The potential digitalisation of Guernsey Electricity’s products and services is also addressed.
Gareth Wordingham, Customer, Product and Innovation Lead at Guernsey Electricity, said the company wants to work with customers to ensure any changes made in the future are what bill payers actually want to see.
“This survey marks the first step in our plan to evolve our tariffs and services over the long- term,” he said. “We need to invest in our electricity infrastructure for the benefit of islanders, but also to ensure that what customers pay is fair and transparent.
“Our message to our customers is – we are listening. This survey offers a great opportunity to provide feedback on the products and tariffs we should offer in the future.
“We would like to hear from everyone, regardless of how informed or concerned you feel about the issues, so please do take the time to participate.”
The opinions voiced will be shared with the States of Guernsey to influence future electricity pricing decisions, including the future of the standing charge.
Lindsay Jefferies, Managing Director for Island Global Research, said the survey is open until 24 September.
“Island Global Research are bringing independent expertise to this survey that we are conducting on behalf of Guernsey Electricity,” she said. “Our role encompasses data collection, analysis and reporting to ensure that the results truly and fairly reflect views from across the population.
“We would like to thank everyone who takes this opportunity to provide feedback to this impartially conducted piece of research.”
The survey follows a protest held earlier this year which saw hundreds of people gather outside the power station ahead of tariff increases coming in on 1 July.
Organised by Myles Duquemin, the protest aimed to voice discontent at rising standing charges and unit prices which he said many people simply couldn’t afford.
Mr Duquemin also collected signature on a petition against rising standing charges and tariffs which was presented to Deputy Mark Helyar when he was appointed as President of STSB after the election.
Mr Duquemin has previously cited examples of people he has spoken to who are struggling to pay their domestic bills.
He said some people choose between “heating or eating” as a result of Guernsey’s high cost of living and that they would be unable to afford any increase in essential utilities like electricity.
Speaking at the protest he organised in June, Mr Duquemin confirmed he was trying to work with GEL to make life easier and better for those already struggling.
Mr Duquemin has now welcomed the publication of the survey and encouraged other people to fill it in too.
“I think this is a really important step. It shows that they’re listening, and it feels like meaningful change could finally be on the horizon. Personally, I find some of the questions a bit off the mark, but change doesn’t happen overnight. That said, I do appreciate that they’ve clearly acknowledged the main issue many islanders have raised: the unfair, one-size-fits-all standing charge model. Please fill this out – now’s the time to make a difference.”
