Guernsey Electricity has told the organiser of a protest against its price hikes that a variable standing charge is coming – but it’s a way off yet.
Myles Duquemin met with Guernsey Electricity yesterday – and had what he has described as “really positive” talks with them.
He told GEL that the 8% rise coming our way in July is too high, and that many people have told him of their struggles with paying their bill.
He said the standing charge is the biggest issue though – and he feels this has now been acknowledged by GEL.
Promises of a variable standing charge mean the most vulnerable won’t be hit so hard in the future, said Mr Duquemin – but the protest planned for 14 June is still going ahead.
“I had a meeting with them and I thought it was very, very positive. I think they understand some of the issues that I laid out to them, especially with regard to the standing charge as they’re going to introduce a variable in the future.
“I think every question that I asked, they gave me a direct answer, and they did it in a very respectful manner. I don’t for any minute want to make Guernsey Electricity the enemy. I want to work with them, and I think the protest on the 14th will drive the message home of how upset people are, and I think they’re now listening.”
While planning the protest for 14 June, Mr Duquemin has been speaking to GEL and Guernsey Police about logistics.
He’s also been speaking to people who can’t afford to pay their electricity bills, and he said that is compelling him to make a stand through the protest.
“I think they’re taking my comments on board,” he said. “They asked me what I wanted to get out of (the protest), and that’s what I told them. I said, I want lower rates in general. I definitely want my standing charge lower considerably.
He added that he is by no means an expert, but he has been doing his homework so the protest is being planned from an informed point of view.
“I by no means claim to be an expert on public utilities, utility operation or accountancy. I have however looked into figures of profit, and it’s a very, very complex situation. I can understand during the Guernsey Electricity point of view of wanting to provide everything to the island efficiently and make sure nothing goes wrong in the future. But I can see the people of Guernsey’s point of view that they can’t afford this anymore. So it’s a very, very complex situation, but I still think (the standing charge) doesn’t need to be as high as it is.”
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”.
In explaining its long term plans, the utility told Express that it plans to invest in new infrastructure such as metering systems, which could lead to changes in the way standing charges are levied.
“Noting the concerns around fixed charges, GEL would like to make clear that there are longer term plans in place to support how we can reform such charges to our customers – particularly those who place a lower strain on the island’s electricity network,” a GEL spokesperson said.
“Until this work is complete, there will be no further increases to the standing charge above 15% of electricity sales revenue,” they added.
The protest on 14 June is going ahead as planned – with Mr Duquemin needing volunteers to help on the day as hundreds of people are expected to turn out.
They’ll be gathering outside the GEL retail showroom and offices on Northside at 10:00.
The road will be closed from 08:00 and Northside Chippy will be open, as part of the requirements for such a large gathering.
“I have had meetings with Guernsey Police about managing expectations of the day. I’ll be talking with them again with regard to more compliance that I have to abide by.
“The road itself outside Guernsey Electricity will be shut. I spoke to Guernsey Electricity, and they’re still unsure whether they’re going to shut the shop that morning. The road will be closed from around eight to about half 11. The chippy has offered kindly to open earlier to provide sustenance to the public towards the end of the process, and I am looking for volunteers to help marshal. I’m at about 12 right now. Depending on turnout, if I could get about another five, I think that would be more compliant than I need to be.”