Major upgrade to power "all-electric future"

Mark Preece, JE COO, says customers would see the works taking place around the island

Jersey Electricity (JE) has revealed a plan to invest £120m in the "largest ever" upgrade to the island's network.

The firm said the five-year upgrade would support an "all-electric future" and ensure every home and business could access affordable and sustainable energy.

The project would be "over and above" an existing programme of works, it added, to meet a predicted 25% increase in demand.

Mark Preece, chief operating officer (COO) of Jersey Electricity, said customers would see works around the island and this could "cause frustrations" but appealed for islanders to "bear with" them.

JE said the upgrade would help prepare for the government's 2050 carbon neutral goal

The government has shared its plans for Jersey to be net zero by 2050 - which includes supporting islanders to switch from oil or gas to low carbon alternatives.

JE said the major upgrade would double the amount of cable laid annually while 10% of the low voltage network would be upgraded so 20,000 customers could switch to electricity as fossil fuel heating systems were phased out in line with the government's Carbon Neutral Roadmap (CNR).

Meanwhile, smart meter data will be used to highlight where there is demand or capacity, the provider said.

Mr Preece said: "Over the coming years, we expect to see continued transformation in how we use electricity as a society.

'Essential upgrade'

"From the base of a sustainable, secure, future-proofed electricity network, we can be certain that our Island can continue to prosper."

“Customers can expect to see JE and our partners around the island delivering this essential upgrade.

"Although some works will be less visible than others, we understand that roadworks can cause frustrations to islanders.

"We hope everyone can bear with us over the coming years as we deliver The Big Upgrade and continue to power our island long into the future."