Chief Pleas to seek intervention if power cut off

Sark Electricity has more than doubled the price of energy for its customers

Sarks Chief Pleas has reassured residents it would seek intervention if homes were cut off from the electricity grid.

It follows an announcement this week of increases to electricity prices by Sark Electricity Ltd (SEL) from 49p per unit to more than £1.13 per unit.

Chief Pleas said the additional levies of 40p and 20p per unit for "legal costs" was unjustified.

It has said it would immediately seek the intervention of the Civil Contingencies Authority to ensure residents are protected.

In response to the price increases the electricity price control commissioner has launched an urgent formal investigation into whether the new pricing is fair and reasonable.

If the commissioner concludes the increase is not justified, a new price control order may be issued to set a regulated level, with a decision expected by the end of September.

Chief Pleas said it recognised some customers may struggle with a price rise of this scale.

A spokesperson said: "Customers who anticipate difficulty paying should contact SEL in the first instance, but residents can also reach out to the island safeguarding officer."

Chief Pleas is still going ahead with its initial plan to buy the utility company.

It said: "The Committees remain committed to ensuring that Sark has a reliable and sustainable electricity supply, and will continue to keep residents updated as this process progresses."

In response, SEL owner Alan Witney-Price said no customers needed to worry about ending up on a pay-meter if their account was up to date.

He said: "We are a policy-driven company and that's how we operate the business."