Over 100 demonstrators gathered outside the headquarters of Guernsey Electricity Limited (GEL) on Saturday to protest against upcoming price hikes, set to take effect from July, that will impact residents facing rising living costs.
Rising Costs Stir Public Outcry
The islandโs government-owned utility is raising electricity tariffs that will result in some customers paying more than equivalent rates in the UK. This announcement has sparked significant backlash from residents, particularly pensioners, who are already struggling to manage their household expenses.
Katina Jones, a 70 year old pensioner, expressed her distress, stating, โI sit in the dark with the lights out to save money on my bill and only use electricity during off-peak hours when itโs cheap otherwise, we canโt afford it.โ
In response to the protests, a spokesperson for GEL acknowledged the concerns, stating, โWe absolutely understand the strength of feeling among some islanders and the impact on customers already struggling with the cost of living.โ
Companyโs Justification for Price Hikes
GEL, the only electricity provider on the island, insists it has made efforts to minimize this yearโs increases, attributing them to historical underinvestment in infrastructure. The upcoming adjustments will see the standing charge a fixed charge customers pay regardless of their usage rise to more than ยฃ85, a figure that many residents find excessively high.
Jayne Lesbirel, 65, recently retired, resonates with the collective frustration. She emphasized that the financial burden is compounded by the need to care for grandchildren at home more often. โIn the winter months, we canโt just tell them we canโt afford to heat the home itโs simply not feasible.โ
Her sentiments were echoed by others at the protest, who voiced skepticism regarding the utilityโs explanations. โThey have a monopoly,โ Lesbirel remarked, adding that the reasons provided by GEL seemed disingenuous.
Concerns Over Flat Fee Structure
Protesters also raised issues with the standing charge, pointing out that it discriminates against residents living in smaller homes. Retired teacher Mandy Moriarty, 68, noted that the flat fee structure disproportionately affects those in lower-income brackets. โI live in a very old Guernsey cottage, which is freezing in the winter, and I only run one radiator. You shouldnโt be sitting there freezing because of greed.โ
The proposed 380% increase in the standing charge over the past few years from just under ยฃ18 in 2021 to ยฃ86.75 by July 2025 has drawn ire for being significantly higher than the highest standing charge allowed on the British mainland.
Utility Providerโs Response to Community Concerns
GEL indicated that the shift in tariff structure is partly due to more residents opting for renewable energy sources like solar panels. While these installations have reduced revenue from unit usage, the company maintains that it still needs to cover the costs required to maintain and upgrade the electricity network.
In light of the backlash, GEL has committed to reviewing its pricing strategies to ensure sustainability while accommodating customers less dependent on the grid. A spokesperson said, โThere will not be further large standing charge increases until the review has been completed.โ
Looking Ahead
Protest organizer Myles Duquemin emphasized the right to electricity as a basic human necessity, calling for an urgent review of the current pricing structure. He remarked, โElectricity is not a luxury; itโs a basic human right,โ adding that the current charges unfairly affect lower-income households, including seniors and those with health issues.
Guernsey Electricity Limited (GEL) expressed respect for customersโ rights to voice their concerns and acknowledged Duqueminโs role in facilitating a peaceful protest. The utility recommended that customers worried about their electricity bills contact them to discuss potential support options.
As the situation develops, residents await a definitive stance from the government regarding the escalating costs associated with energy consumption, particularly during these challenging economic times.
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