Jersey Electricity has agreed a new four-year deal with French energy giant EDF to secure low-carbon electricity supplies for the Island from 2028.
The agreement, reached in partnership with Guernsey Electricity through the Channel Islands Electricity Grid, will begin on 1 January 2028, when the current arrangement with EDF comes to an end.
It means Jersey will continue to source the significant majority of its electricity from France, with imported power principally coming from low-carbon nuclear and renewable generation.
Jersey Electricity said the deal would provide greater flexibility over when and how it buys electricity, allowing it to respond to changes in the energy market and demand while continuing to use purchasing and hedging strategies to manage costs.
Chief executive Chris Ambler said the agreement provided “long-term confidence” over the security of Jersey’s electricity supply.
He said: “We have enjoyed a strong relationship with EDF over many years, and this agreement provides continuity beyond 2027 while also giving us greater flexibility in how we manage our future energy requirements.”
He added that one of the company’s priorities during negotiations had been retaining the ability to manage electricity purchases “carefully and responsibly”.
“Energy markets will inevitably move over time but having a supply framework and the flexibility to manage when and how we purchase electricity puts us in a strong position,” he added.
Jersey has relied heavily on imported electricity from France for many years, with the supply brought to the Island through Jersey Electricity’s subsea cables.
The company also maintains local generation capacity to provide backup, alongside its Island-wide electricity network.
Mr Ambler said securing the new agreement was particularly important as electricity demand is expected to rise as more households switch away from fossil-fuel heating and electric vehicle use increases.
“Electricity is becoming increasingly important to the Island’s economy and everyday life,” he said.
“This agreement gives us greater visibility over our future supply arrangements while allowing us to continue investing in the resilience of Jersey’s electricity network.”
Jersey Electricity said it would continue to combine imported French electricity with local backup generation, while increasing investment in its network and infrastructure.
The new agreement forms part of the company’s wider strategy to maintain a secure, resilient and sustainable electricity system for Jersey.
