The owner of Sark Electricity Ltd has agreed to sell, with the future of power generation for the island moving towards community ownership under ‘Island Power’.
The deal still needs the support and approval of Conseillers to go through, although SEL says that the deal could be finalised, with the company switching hands, on Thursday 3 July, 2025.
It’s the latest twist in an electric tale that dates back years, amid high power prices and claims of dangerous cables, and under investment in infrastructure by two successive private owners.
The current owner bought SEL in 2020, and more recently it was almost sold to Island Power last November. That deal fell through when Chief Pleas publicly announced in March this year that it was considering compulsory purchase, meaning the government would essentially force the sale to itself.
SEL’s owner has always resisted compulsory purchase, and has repeatedly said he would continue to do so. However, he recently relented and was negotiating with four interested parties.
Alan Witney-Price is now calling on those unsuccessful buyers to “look forward rather than hold ill-feeling toward the winning bidder”.
Mr Witney-Price said he’s not happy about selling SEL at all, but revealed that he’s come to understand that he’ll never be able to pursue the changes he wants to through the business with the resistance he said he faces from Chief Pleas.
“My hope has continued to be that I would be able to deliver the change program I laid out back in March 2020 when I acquired the firm,” he said.
“Sadly, the conflict and acrimony from some in Chief Pleas has simply been impossible to resolve. It is clear that no matter what approach I take, it will simply never be acceptable.”
Mr Witney-Price said Sark’s Government is continuing to take an “illogical position”, to proposed developments that he wanted to fund for the benefit of Sark.
“Even this week, Chief Pleas once again refused permission for a wayleave across the Coupe. By refusing this vital permission to allow key new infrastructure Chief Pleas denies Sark the opportunity to grow and to thrive,” he said.
“It is an utterly illogical position that strangles the economic growth potential of the island and undermines trust in the government by locals and visitors alike.
“Chief Pleas have made it abundantly clear that my investment is not welcome here and I simply must accept that fact.”
Mr Witney-Price says now the agreement is in the hands of Island Power, it will see ownership shift to Sark residents. He said he is “genuinely disappointed” with how things have turned out, but he believes it is “genuinely in the island’s best interests”.
“This transaction with Island Power will see ownership transition to residents while ensuring a management team with the skills to deliver on a carefully selected program of change.” he said.
“A change program that meets the islands energy needs swiftly, efficiently and at an affordable price.”
Mr Witney-Price continued: “Island Power has this expertise, and it has the funding to make this a reality without any capital investment from Chief Pleas or Island residents; although I understand that if residents wish to invest and reap the financial benefits themselves that may well be an option.
“Ultimately, while I am genuinely disappointed to be exiting in this forced manner, I thoroughly love Sark and this, I believe, is genuinely in the island’s best interest.
“The business transfers to the new owners on Thursday 3 July 2025 and I wish the island every success in its future energy ambitions.”