Sark meeting 'supportive' of electricity deal
SARK residents appear to be keen for Chief Pleas to buy and redevelop the island’s private power supply by using a £1.5m. loan from the States of Guernsey.
The controversial scheme was put to islanders at a public meeting on Tuesday evening.
‘The meeting was well attended by residents, and overall we feel it was well received,’ said Conseiller John Guille, who gave part of the presentation.
‘There was a strong feeling within the room that having community ownership of power supply in Sark is an crucial next step in securing the island’s future.
‘At this point, we are waiting to see if the loan proposition is agreed by the States of Guernsey.
‘This would then come to Chief Pleas for approval by our government. After that we can re-commence negotiations with professional assistance.’
The residents were told that Chief Pleas had asked Guernsey Electricity CEO Alan Bates to act as a third party in talks with Sark Electricty Ltd.
Its owner, Alan Witney-Price, has previously ruled out selling the company to Chief Pleas for what he has claimed was below market rate and said that Chief Pleas had refused to have any meaningful engagement with him for a number of years.
Seigneur of Sark Christopher Beaumont was one of those who attended the meeting, where ambitious plans for half an acre of solar panels and two 30m high wind turbines were presented.
He said it had been a clear presentation and explanation of a plan that appeared to be achievable.
‘In general, the island’s population were supportive of the idea to bring the electricity company into being a community-owned entity,’ he said.
‘However there was some consternation and questions from conseillers and islanders on the conditions attached to the finance.’
The States has required Chief Pleas to become part of a newly-proposed Bailiwick constitutional commission as one of the conditions of the loan. It also intends to use duty on Sark imports as a security for the loan.
‘There are hurdles to negotiate, not least negotiating with Alan Witney-Price,’ Mr Beaumont added.
‘Trust between Chief Pleas and SEL does seem to have completely evaporated.’
A Guernsey Electricity spokesman said the company was not currently directly involved in the negotiations regarding the potential sale of Sark Electricity Ltd, but remained ready to support any process as required.
