Proposed changes to Jersey’s gas law “do not go far enough” in offering customer protection, according to a local consumer advocacy group which has previously called for utility companies to be independently regulated.
Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegaret this week lodged an update to the Jersey Gas Company (Jersey) Law 1989 which would strengthen Government oversight of the island’s gas supply.
If approved, the new legislation would require Jersey Gas Company Limited – which trades as Island Energy – to immediately notify the Government about events that could threaten public safety, gas supply, financial stability, or ownership changes.
The law would also introduce strict criminal offences, including penalties for failing to notify authorities of public safety threats.
The States Assembly would also be able to quickly amend the law in response to urgent safety or supply issues, if the proposed updates are approved by politicians.
But Carl Walker, Chair of the Jersey Consumer Council, does not believe the changes are enough.
The consumer advocacy group has previously called for the Government to introduce an independent regulator in Jersey to ensure prices for utilities are fair.
Commenting on the suggested legislative updates, Mr Walker said: “While these proposed regulations are a step in the right direction, we do not believe they go far enough in terms of offering consumers the protection that UK consumers receive from having their utility providers fully regulated.
“Safety concerns over the state of the gas network are paramount at the moment for islanders, so it is encouraging to see these being addressed to a degree with this proposition.
“But consumers also need regulatory protection from untransparent price increases, they need to know the network they rely on is being maintained to acceptable standards, and that they have enforceable compensation rights if services are cut off.”
Deputy Le Hegaret’s proposition was lodged just days after Island Energy was summonsed to appear in court to answer charges relating to the Haut du Mont explosion, which claimed the lives of ten islanders in December 2022.
And following a separate police investigation, three former employees of the utility company were last month charged with multiple counts of gross negligence manslaughter.
The three men and representatives of Island Energy will appear in separate sittings at the Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.
The proposition to update the gas law is due to be debated by politicians next month.