Switch To Local Power Generation Possible

Friday, 16 December 2022 07:15

Jersey Electricity has confirmed it will switch to producing power locally if necessary this winter, to ease the European energy crisis.

Jersey Electricity says producing energy on-island could significantly help our neighbours with energy shortages.

95% of our electricity is imported via underwater cables from the continent.

The utility company will switching to using La Collette Power Station for a short time.

Guernsey Electricity made the decision last month, and its CEO Alan Bates told Channel 103 at the time that the agreement to assist France also applied to Jersey, as part of the Channel Islands Energy Grid’s (CIEG) trading arrangements with EDF.

JE CEO Chris Ambler has confirmed the island's co-operation:

"Europe is very much in an energy crisis catalysed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In the spirit of co-operation and unity, we stand ready to run La Collette Power Station to generate energy to support our strategic partners should this become necessary.

"Jersey Electricity anticipates the Power Station may be in use during certain hours over a three-month period from December to February, depending on the severity of the winter and supplies in France."

The utility company says Jersey will stay on track to reach decarbonisation goals, as it will only be temporary.

"Whilst we are playing our part in supporting France by reducing the Island’s demand on the French network, JE will be compensated for its cost of generation and any surplus returns will help keep costs of La Collette as low as possible."

Mr Ambler says he does not anticipate an energy shortage here, but islanders should save power wherever possible.