GE keen to avoid inequality
GUERNSEY ELECTRICITY hopes to adjust its tariffs to reduce inequality created by some members of the community installing expensive renewable energy sources while remaining attached to the network grid.
Chief executive Alan Bates said that although the States-owned company welcomed diversification and renewables into the island’s energy supply, it was unfair for those who could not afford them to then cover the network costs.
‘Customers who can install renewables leave the remaining customer base picking up their share of the network costs,’ he said.
‘The cost of the network and security of supply should be spread fairly across all customers, so the tariff proposals ensure that if islanders choose to install private renewable systems while still being connected to the network, others do not carry the financial burden.’
Mr Bates added that the company’s intention was for any restructure to be revenue neutral for the business, so that for the vast majority of customers, there would be minimal difference in their overall bills for electricity.
He said the tariffs would ultimately be beneficial for everyone.
‘Our current proposals include the introduction of lower tariffs at weekends so islanders can take advantage of reduced rates when it is convenient,’ he said.
‘For those wishing to install solar panels, they will still be able to and will benefit from clearer tariffs that will help them understand the implication of their investment.
‘They will also be able to rely on a secure grid supply for when their intermittent generation is not available.’
