Beaumont refuses to pay electricity levy

Alan Whitney Price, owner of SEL, said people would be put on payment meters if they did not pay their bills

Seigneur of Sark Christopher Beaumont has announced he will not pay the electricity levy until the price control commissioner determines whether it is fair and reasonable.

At a public meeting about 20 islanders gathered to discuss their options, whether to pay the full bill, refuse the levy, or wait for a ruling from the commissioner.

Electricity prices in Sark are set to rise dramatically, with residents facing charges of £1.13 per unit, more than double the current rate of 49p.

The increase includes a 53.6p unit price, a 40p legal levy, and a newly announced 20p price consultation levy.

The legal levy is intended to cover costs associated with a potential court battle between Sark Electricity Limited (SEL) and Chief Pleas, the island's government, over the proposed compulsory purchase of the company.

Alan Whitney Price, owner of SEL, said people would be put on payment meters if they did not pay their bills.

The commissioner, Shane Lynch, has confirmed he is investigating the charges.

Buddy's on the Avenue, a popular restaurant, has announced it will close indefinitely, a month earlier than usual, due to the spike in electricity costs.

Owner Tracey Gallienne said her monthly bill could jump from £2,000 to £6,000, calling the increase unsustainable.

She said she hopes she will eventually be able to reopen the restaurant, but for now it would be the last week of serving food to locals and tourists.

Nearby restaurant Tide and Time has also been feeling the pressure, with bills expected to hit £6,000 a month. Its owners have reduced opening hours to cut electricity usage.