New grid plan branded 'nonsense' by Sark power boss

The managing director of Sark's only commercial power provider has described plans for a new Sark Grid as "confusing nonsense".

Alan Witney-Price, boss of Sark Electricity Limited (SEL), said the scheme would lead to higher power prices than those charged by his company.

The government has been presented with plans for a new grid at a cost of £8.6m, which would include a 30m (98ft) wind turbine and a solar farm.

Sark's Policy and Finance Committee (P&F) has been contacted for a response.

An independent report in 2021 stated Sark's current electricity infrastructure needed a "complete overhaul" because of what it described as "serious health and safety concerns".

Mr Witney-Price said he is willing to improve it, but requires the permission of the island's government - Chief Pleas - to progress, something he said he hasn't received.

Sark's Seigneur Major Christopher Beaumont said the current grid needed replacing: "It doesn't matter who does it, somebody has to replace the electricity system in Sark."

Mr Witney-Price described plans for another grid which would be in competition with his company's as "nonsense".

He said: "We'll have a competitor in the market which wants to charge more for electricity than I do, which is going to make my life easier.

"Having a competitor which will charge more than you is never a bad place to be.

"Chief Pleas haven't talked to me about this, because they don't want to.

"The Government wants to own the power company regardless."

He warned the new infrastructure proposed could harm the island's tourism prospects: "They're looking at £8.6m for a whole new grid, second hand wind turbines, the reality is Sark's attractiveness as a destination was the island's peace, its beauty, its tranquillity."

Conseillers will vote on whether to approve £175,000 for the design phase of the project at Chief Pleas Christmas meeting on 17 January.

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