Julian Turner, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer of Guernsey Electricity is in the hot seat today, reflecting on how 2020 has been for him both personally and professionally, his idea of a good Christmas and his hopes for 2021.
How has this year been for you personally?
My family is based in the north east of England so this has had its issues. I’m heading back for Christmas and really looking forward to spending time with them.
I was due to take part in the Marmotte – a cycling challenge in the French Alps, which takes in four peaks and 17,000ft of climbing in 110 miles. It was cancelled, so I’ve been doing lots of virtual events instead.
Really, I’m a hardened mountaineer, and have climbed 20 peaks of 4,000m (including the Eiger, Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn) and I’ve missed being out in the countryside. I have enjoyed walking the cliffs, and I’m grateful that the Island has so successfully managed Covid locally.
How has this year been for you professionally?
Covid has naturally affected the way we have been working, but we’re proud that it has not affected Guernsey Electricity’s ability to deliver a reliable and secure supply of electricity.
Behind the scenes this year, we have been focusing on delivering a new utility billing system, which in the long term will allow us to improve the customer experience and capture richer data. The team we have been working with are based in Belgium, which has its challenges, but has dramatically changed and improved our ways of working. It’s worked so well we now have a new flexible working policy in place for the whole business.
What’s your ‘hot take’ for 2020?
This year, I’m really proud that we switched all the Island’s imported electricity to be sourced from renewables, such as wind, solar, hydro and tidal energy. Imported energy meets over 90% of the Island’s electricity needs. That’s quite the achievement.
At the end of February we get to find out exactly where the energy was renewably sourced from and I look forward to sharing.
Tell us your hopes for 2021
The States of Guernsey’s 30 year energy policy was agreed earlier this year. I hope that we really get to grips with what is required to turn these aspirations for net zero greenhouse gas emissions into action, and get the work well underway. At Guernsey Electricity, we understand our role and we are already putting into action lots of changes across the business to lead the transition and put sustainability at the heart of our business.
What would you like to see the States of Guernsey focus on first in 2021?
This year has taken its toll, and implementing the ‘revive and thrive’ recovery strategy with a focus on the environment and building back green is a fantastic opportunity.
The ‘Guernsey Together’ spirit has demonstrated the strength of community, and together we can achieve so much. It’s time to do things differently.
What does a perfect Christmas for you look like?
Spending time with family and friends.
Do you prefer Christmas or New Year?
As I’m from the north we celebrate both equally, we don’t like to miss out on a party. My ideal New Year’s Day would be spent in The Lake District, up a fell, with a bottle of champagne in my ruck sack.
What’s your favourite Christmas movie?
Die Hard, the original. Not any of the sequels! Or perhaps Bad Santa.
Are you ready for Christmas or do you wait until the last minute to get organised?
I do like to get organized and this year I’m making an effort to step away from online to buy locally.
What would you like Santa to leave under the tree for you this year?
That’s easy, as many white Toblerones as he can fit either on his sleigh or in my stocking. I wouldn’t mind a new Rab jacket if there is space.
