Concern over disruption from electricity works

The first phase of work is due to last until 20 May

Businesses have complained of potential disruption from electricity upgrades in Guernsey over the coming months.

Guernsey Electricity (GE) has closed parts of High Street and the Commercial Arcade in St Peter Port to replace low voltage cables and enhance electricity infrastructure.

However, retailers said the work should have been carried out after the tourism season due to the potential impact on trade.

GE apologised for the disruption and said: "We recognise there is never an easy time to undertake such activity."

The work is due to take place in two phases, with the first phase due to last until 20 May.

GE said the second phase, which would continue further down the High Street, was due to be completed by 19 July.

Sofi Noakes, owns coffee shop Bean Jar in the Commercial Arcade, said she did not receive enough notice of the works.

"The season has just started and people might be put off by electrical works, the noise and the sounds, it's obviously a very sensory issue," she said.

"People want to be relaxing in a coffee shop and you can hear loud noises outside.

"Had it been done in maybe January or February, it might've ben a better time."

Sofi Noakes said she did not receive enough notice of the works

GE said the first phase of the project involved replacing the end of life cables and upgrading the infrastructure in the arcade.

It said pedestrian access to the arcade from the High Street end was maintained by temporary walkways.

But Ms Noakes said she did not have enough time to prepare for the works.

"I just feel that how it was communicated to us or mis-communicated to us about it going on was so short notice," she said.

"We are very lucky we have a very loyal customer base so we're still doing OK."

Ant Ford-Parker, chairman of the Guernsey Tourism partnership, said businesses wanted the works to be carried out in the colder months.

"We realise that it's really important that the island upgrades its infrastructure all the time," he said.

"What's concerning our members most is the timing of it."

'Essential upgrades'

GE said the work was "essential to improving resilience and increase the overall capacity of the low voltage network" for businesses and residents.

"We understand how important it is for retailers to have a secure electricity supply and to minimise the risk of disruptions," it said.

"The work is being undertaken in spring and early summer as higher electricity demand over the colder winter months means it would be exceedingly difficult to carry out these works without negatively impacting customer supplies in the area.

"The spring months also provide a better opportunity to deliver the work more quickly and with a higher degree of safety for our staff due to the more favourable weather conditions at this time of year."

It said the five retailers most affected by the works were notified in mid-March.

The firm added: "Guernsey Electricity appreciates the patience and understanding of everyone whilst we complete these essential upgrades as quickly and safely as possible."