Over 100 protestors rallied outside Guernsey Electricity Limited (GEL)’s headquarters to contest substantial price hikes exceeding inflation.
The island’s publicly owned electricity provider is implementing price increases starting July, with some customers now facing higher bills than their UK counterparts, as reported here.
Katina Jones, a 70-year-old pensioner, described limiting her electricity use to off-peak hours to manage costs, stating, “Otherwise we can’t afford it.”
A GEL spokesperson acknowledged public sentiment and the impact on consumers struggling financially, emphasizing the company’s efforts to “keep this year’s electricity tariff increase as low as possible.”
GEL, the island’s sole electricity supplier, maintains it has strived to minimize the tariff increase.
Mrs. Jones highlighted the disproportionate impact on the elderly in her community, noting that many friends conserve energy by staying in bed due to unaffordable heating costs.
Jayne Lesbirel, a 65-year-old retiree and former GEL employee, expressed concern about budgeting on a pension while caring for grandchildren, emphasizing the impossibility of foregoing heating during winter months.
Lesbirel contested GEL’s justifications for the price hikes, including past underinvestment, attributing them to the company’s monopolistic position.
Mandy Moriarty, 68, criticized the uniform standing charge exceeding £85, regardless of household size, proposing a fairer system based on consumption.
She expressed fears of being forced to completely forgo heating due to escalating costs, citing the potential for damp and health issues.
GEL’s tariff restructuring, implemented years ago, significantly increased the fixed standing charge—a rise of over 380% from 2021 to July 2025, reaching nearly £87 quarterly—exceeding UK limits.
The rationale behind this increase is linked to the growing adoption of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, impacting GEL’s revenue model and necessitating adjustments to cover network maintenance and upgrades.
GEL announced a review of its charging structure to ensure sustainability and address concerns regarding network strain, promising no further substantial increases until the review’s conclusion.
Protest organizer Myles Duquemin criticized the flat-rate standing charge, regardless of household size, calling electricity a basic human right and urging a review by new deputies.
Duquemin emphasized the support received from vulnerable groups, including cancer patients and pensioners, highlighting their reluctance to openly express their concerns.
GEL acknowledged the protestors’ rights and thanked Duquemin for maintaining safety and security. The company closed its retail shop during the protest and encouraged customers facing difficulties to contact them directly.
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