The newly seated President of the States Trading and Supervisory Board, (STSB), says he understands the financial challenges faced by those who signed the petition, and urged individuals struggling with bills to contact Guernsey Electricity and/or Employment & Social Security for assistance.
It comes as Deputy Mark Helyar was responding to a letter, handed over with the petition with over 1,400 signatures, which sought action from the new President of STSB.
Deputy Helyar reiterated a message from Guernsey Electricity, (GEL), that they’re pausing any further increases to the Standing Charges, which caused the controversy and sparked the public’s desire to protest the increases.
This pause will last as long as a review into Guernsey Electricity’s tariff application process has been conducted, which the lead of STSB says will look at scrutiny, efficiency monitoring, and wider public consultation, and will begin soon.
In a letter responding to the organiser of the petition and protest, Myles Duqeumin, he commented on the stated goal of a “sliding scale” for electricity tariff charges;
“Given the particular focus in your letter on the standing charge, it is perhaps worth my noting the commitment given by the Board in its Decision Notice that no further rebalancing of Guernsey Electricity’s fixed and variable charges will be permitted pending a full review of the cost reflectivity of all its tariffs, which I expect will include consideration of how a sliding scale of standing charges could be applied more fairly than the current “one-size fits all” charge.”
In his letter, Deputy Helyar went on to state the review will be on the board’s radar shortly; “Going forward, the Board will be undertaking a review of the process for considering tariff applications from Guernsey Electricity, which I anticipate will commence shortly. I am keen that this should include consideration of the steps we take to: scrutinise Guernsey Electricity’s tariff proposals and test the assumptions that underpin them and its financial models; monitor the Company’s efficiency and benchmark its performance; and, consult more widely with Islanders on tariff proposals.”
“Whilst I would not want to pre-empt the outcome of this review process, I can assure you that we will take fully into account the issues that you have set out in your letter.”
Pictured; Myles Duquemin, Protest and Petition organiser, at June’s protest at GEL. 
Pictured; As with all protests, the sign designs were in full force. 
Pictured; Deputy Gary Collins, before his successful election attempt, speaking to the crowds passionately. 
Pictured; Deputy John Gollop was one of 10 hopefuls seeking a seat in the States who attended the protest.
In response, protest and petition organiser, Myles Duquemin, said although there were disappointments, he has welcomed the response from the new STSB head, and reiterated his desire for tangible change when it comes to the cost of electricity in Guernsey.
Mr Duqemin told the Express; “While it’s a little disappointing that electricity rates won’t be reviewed immediately, I do welcome the commitment that “no further rebalancing of Guernsey Electricity’s fixed and variable charges will be permitted pending a full review.”
Mr Duquemin continued; “I sincerely hope a sliding scale for standing charges can be introduced as soon as possible — ideally before the next billing period — as the current one-size-fits-all model risks disproportionately affecting vulnerable Islanders. I encourage anyone who is struggling to seek the support that is available, and I’m more than happy to help guide those who aren’t sure where to turn.”
He concluded; “Although no direct changes have been made yet, it’s clear our voices have been heard, and the issues we raised are now firmly on the table. I’ll continue to follow this process closely and push for meaningful improvements that reflect the very real pressures many Islanders are facing.”