The proposal to set up Sark Power Ltd is being placed before Chief Pleas at the end this month.
The Policy & Finance Committee said that establishing the company now would ensure that, once the compulsory purchase process was complete, there is an entity wholly owned by Chief Pleas ready to assume responsibility for the electricity network, maintain continuity of supply and carry out essential safety works.
‘This would provide a clear legal and operational structure through which essential services can continue uninterrupted during the transition period,’ it said.
Sark Power is being proposed as an interim operator but Chief Pleas’ longer-term ambition is to develop a community-based ownership model. But this interim stage would allow Chief Pleas to get a clearer understanding of how much work would be needed on the island’s electricity infrastructure, and how much it would cost.
‘The compulsory purchase of the electricity network will secure Sark’s energy future,’ said P&F chairman Conseiller John Guille.
‘Establishing Sark Power Limited is an important part of that process, ensuring that when the purchase takes place there is a dedicated organisation ready to operate the network, protect continuity of supply and begin addressing any urgent safety, maintenance and investment issues.
‘Our long-term ambition remains a community-based ownership model, but before we can reach that point we need a practical and stable interim arrangement that allows the island to take control of the infrastructure, understand the challenges it faces, and put it on a secure footing for the future.’
Chief Pleas is expecting the purchase process to be completed by the end of the year.
It has been estimated that replacement of the island’s electricity grid, and leaning more heavily on renewable sources, could take several years and cost about £10m.
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