Move towards Sark Electricity compulsory purchase

The compulsory purchase of Sark Electricity would be pursued, if Chief Pleas agrees at a meeting on Wednesday

Sark's government is being asked to approve starting the process of compulsory purchase of Sark Electricity.

The Policy and Finance Committee and the Future Energy Committee have put forward the proposal saying it followed five years of "almost no progress on critical safety and reliability upgrades".

They said Chief Pleas would still be open to further negotiation on the sale of the firm, but "not under terms that would be financially irresponsible" or "which would place unreasonable burdens on islanders".

Alan Witney-Price, owner of Sark Electricity, said a sale to Island Power was still being pursued.

Negotiations over the potential sale of the firm have seen conflicting claims made.

Conseiller John Guille, chair of Policy and Finance, said: "Due to uncertainty and risks to the supply of electricity created by SEL, the committee has concluded that it is now necessary to commence compulsory purchase proceedings.

"It has become essential that Chief Pleas take control and ownership of its critical national infrastructure."

Natalie Tighe, deputy chair, added: "Chief Pleas is focused on securing an energy future for Sark that is modern, resilient, and community led."

Mr Witney-Price said the push for compulsory purchase was a "sad attempt by Chief Pleas to create a crisis".