Sark energy price doubling not 'fair or reasonable'

Sark Electricity Limited increased tariffs on Monday to £1.13 per unit

Sark's electricity pricing commissioner says he has found the island's recent energy price rise, in which rates more than doubled, "neither fair nor reasonable" in initial findings.

Sark Electricity Limited (SEL) raised prices on Monday to £1.13 per unit, including 60p of levies for legal fees.

Shane Lynch said he had a consultation with SEL before deciding whether to impose a price control order, but did not have the legal power to do so this month. If needed, he said he would hope to do so by October.

SEL owner Alan Witney-Price says a 40p per unit levy is needed for his legal case against the compulsory purchase of the firm by Chief Pleas, and 20p is for any legal fees of the prices inquiry.

The increased cost has led to some businesses closing their doors.

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.

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.

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

Mr Witney-Price has previously said he has always acted in the best interests of Sark residents and says Chief Pleas has forced his hand by not meeting with him face-to-face to discuss other ways to settle their disagreement.

He says levies will not be held by the firm while the legal proceedings take place.