Jersey Electricity (JE) has agreed that, should it be necessary, it will produce electricity on-Island in support of France amid energy shortages in Europe this winter.
JE will generate electricity from La Collette Power Station for a limited period to reduce the energy the Island would usually draw from its submarine cables that are connected to France.
JE CEO Chris Ambler (pictured) said: “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 normally imports around 95% of its annual requirement from France under long term contract but as part of the Channel Islands Energy Grid’s (CIEG) trading arrangements with EDF, Jersey is able to reduce its importation and generate locally should there be shortages of power over the winter months.
“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.
“As we expect this to be temporary if required, it will have no impact on Jersey’s longer term decarbonisation trajectory. 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.
“We would like to reassure Islanders that Jersey’s low carbon energy supply through EDF remains secure and we do not anticipate a shortfall in energy supply over the coming winter. That said we always encourage our customers to conserve energy where possible such as by using tools like the My JE app.”
