Electricity rise 'justified' by Guernsey politician

A big rise in electricity prices in Guernsey has been defended by the Deputy Environment Minister.

The 9% increase, which came into force on 1 October, will cost customers an extra £3 to £10 a month.

Tony Spruce said the rise was justified because of the costs faced by Guernsey Electricity to produce on-island power after a cable link failure to France.

However he added that if the utility succeeded in claiming insurance, customers should be offered a rebate.

The price of electricity may not come down for a number of years until a new undersea cable link with Jersey can be laid, allowing power to be imported from France.