The Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure and the Chamber of Commerce of Guernsey have expressed surprise and disappointment at Deputy Murray’s and Deputy Haskins decision to seek a delay in the debate on Guernsey’s electricity strategy.
This strategy, which has garnered widespread support from industry, paves the way for a more environmentally responsible and secure energy future.
James Ede Golightly, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce, stressed the urgency of the strategy, stating: “We need a second cable – this is the key enabler for all of the other proposals in the policy. This decision cannot be delayed. It’s urgent we get on with this to allow the island to continue the great job it’s done decarbonising our electricity, and it will also be instrumental in the enablement of constructing offshore wind generating assets and significant on-island solar power.
“The strategy leaves no room for ‘doing nothing’ and delaying is doing nothing. This is the most expensive approach and involves using more and more fossil fuel generation – which we all agree is simply not the answer. It’s a thorough piece of work, and it should be endorsed by the States without delay.”
The Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure stated its surprise by the Sursis proposed by Deputy Bob Murray given the decision just over a week ago by the States to debate this item at the July meeting.
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, said: “This Sursis embodies everything that I suspect Guernsey people do not want to see from this government – inaction, indecision, a lack of joined-up working between political members, and a disappointing lack of appetite to invest in our infrastructure, support local industry and prioritise energy affordability for Islanders.
“We are keen to agree a strategic direction to resolve the vital issues around energy security and the affordability of electricity now. Our local energy industry needs the States to decide on the way forward for our future electricity demand, supply, and market framework.
“There is no good reason for delay, as the States is not being asked to agree any specific plans with resource implications: those options can only be properly
assessed once the strategic direction is agreed. Now is the time for the States to agree that strategic direction so we can continue to take action and maintain the momentum of the extensive work already undertaken.”
