Proposal aims to expand oversight of gas supply

The Draft Amendment Law will be put before the States Assembly for consideration

A proposed change to the law aims to give the Government of Jersey more oversight of the island's gas supply.

In a proposed amendment to the Jersey Gas Company (Jersey) Law 1989, the Emergencies Council noted a need for a "timely flow of relevant information" from Jersey Gas Company - which trades under the name Island Energy - to the government.

The possible introduction of criminal offences, including for failure to notify the relevant authorities of threats or potential threats to public safety, are part of the proposal.

It was initially lodged in March, but was revised after input from scrutiny, Island Energy and the Health and Safety Inspectorate.

If approved, the Draft Amendment Law would give the minister for justice and home affairs "necessary and appropriate" powers to gather information from the gas company "in a timely and proactive way", according to the draft document from the States.

Jersey currently does not have a licensing system which forces gas suppliers to share data with government - unlike other countries and jurisdictions.

If approved by the States Assembly, the Draft Amendment Law would place obligations on the gas company to notify the minister of any events which threatened, or potentially threatened public safety or the security and continued supply of gas in Jersey.

According to the proposal, those who provided false information, destroy records or obstruct inspections could face up to seven years in prison.

Failing to notify the relevant authorities of threats or potential threats to public safety would carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison and fines under the proposal.