Latest news with #SarkElectricity
BBC News
4 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Chief Pleas to start compulsory purchase of electricity company
Sark's government is being asked to approve starting the process of compulsory purchase of Sark Policy and Finance Committee and the Future Energy Committee have put forward the proposal saying it followed five years of "almost no progress on critical safety and reliability upgrades".They said Chief Pleas would still be open to further negotiation on the sale of the firm, but "not under terms that would be financially irresponsible" or "which would place unreasonable burdens on islanders".Alan Witney-Price, owner of Sark Electricity, said a sale to Island Power was still being pursued. Negotiations over the potential sale of the firm have seen conflicting claims made. Conseiller John Guille, chair of Policy and Finance, said: "Due to uncertainty and risks to the supply of electricity created by SEL, the committee has concluded that it is now necessary to commence compulsory purchase proceedings."It has become essential that Chief Pleas take control and ownership of its critical national infrastructure."Natalie Tighe, deputy chair, added: "Chief Pleas is focused on securing an energy future for Sark that is modern, resilient, and community led."Mr Witney-Price said the push for compulsory purchase was a "sad attempt by Chief Pleas to create a crisis".
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Sark Electricity deal close to collapse, says firm
The takeover of Sark Electricity Limited (SEL) is close to collapse, according to the company's managing director. Negotiations have been taking place since May, between Sark's electricity company and Island Power, which agreed a £2.4m takeover. A spokesperson for Island Power said the company had been having "constructive dialogue" about a public/private partnership model. Alan Witney-Price of SEL, released a public statement on Monday however, which claimed an agreement to finalise the sale had still not been reached. More news stories for Guernsey Listen to the latest news for Guernsey Mr Witney-Price said: "It is with genuine regret that SEL must today announce that Island Power has determined not to complete the sale and purchase agreement to finalise the sale of SEL. "This is a formal component of the sale process which comes only 17 days from final completion." The BBC has approached Sark's Chief Pleas for comment. Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to Sark Electricity sale could see it community-owned Chief Pleas requests cash for Sark Electricity bid Electricity prices in Sark set to increase by 2p Sark Electricity Limited
BBC News
04-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
New model proposed for the future of Sark's power
An energy provider says it wants to work with the community on the future of power in Power managing partner Marcus Saul said he wanted to bring the island's energy users together with a public-private May it was announced Sark Electricity would be bought on 3 July by energy provider Island Power for £2.4m and moved into community Saul said an organisation called Sark Energy Limited would be formed in which Chief Pleas would act as a "custodian" of the energy network while his firm would ensure the right technologies were introduced. 'Eyes wide open' Mr Saul said the partnership could see Sark and Guernsey become "the world leaders" in distributor energy networks, the technology and collaborative financial and legal said this model was different to the usual acquisition explained: "Sark has been on the very sharp end of this whereby they've had the private acquisition of the energy company."That in turn has meant the people in Sark haven't been able to be heard with relation to what they require for energy - that ability to transition from heavy fossil fuel-based economy into a very resilient renewable economy, what we often refer to as a natural grid utilising both thermal and electricity."Mr Saul said Island Power would look at upgrading the grid over the next three years."We have our eyes wide open with regard to the grid, there's a lot that needs to be done both on the safety side of things all the way through to actively redesigning and reimagining what energy for Sark will be by 2050," he added.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sark Electricity sale could see it community-owned
Sark's electricity company is set to be bought by energy provider Island Power and moved into community ownership. Current owner Alan Witney-Price said he had asked for offers of at least £2.4m for Sark Electricity and had received offers from four parties including Chief Pleas. In March, Chief Pleas said it intended to pursue compulsory purchase if necessary to bring the business under government ownership. However, Mr Witney-Price said Island Power would see ownership move to the island's residents with a management team to help deliver the change - the change from private to community ownership needs to be approved by Chief Pleas. More news stories for Guernsey Listen to the latest news for Guernsey Mr Witney-Price said the deal was in line with the agreement previously reached with Island Power in November, which had lapsed in April after Chief Pleas said it intended to carry out a compulsory purchase. He said: "After nearly two decades of conflict under multiple owners the time has come for an approach that expressly benefits the population." Mr Witney-Price continued: "Sadly, the conflict and acrimony from some in Chief Pleas has simply been impossible to resolve. "Even this week, Chief Pleas once again refused permission for a wayleave across the Coupe. "By refusing this vital permission to allow key new infrastructure, Chief Pleas denies Sark the opportunity to grow and to thrive. "Chief Pleas have made it abundantly clear that my investment is not welcome here and I simply must accept that fact." He added: "Ultimately, while I am genuinely disappointed to be exiting in this forced manner, I thoroughly love Sark and this, I believe, is genuinely in the island's best interest." The business transfer is due to take place on 3 July. Chief Pleas said it would respond to the announcement and Mr Witney-Price's comments during the week. Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to Chief Pleas requests cash for Sark Electricity bid Electricity prices in Sark set to increase by 2p Power price rises 'would force business closures' Regulator warns Sark electricity price could treble Sark government to buy island electricity company Why are the lights going out on Sark? Island Power Sark Chief Pleas Sark Electricity
BBC News
24-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Sark Electricity set to become community owned in sale
Sark's electricity company is set to be bought by energy provider Island Power and moved into community owner Alan Witney-Price said he had asked for offers of at least £2.4m for Sark Electricity and had received offers from four parties including Chief March, Chief Pleas said it intended to pursue compulsory purchase if necessary to bring the business under government Mr Witney-Price said Island Power would see ownership move to the island's residents with a management team to help deliver the change - the change from private to community ownership needs to be approved by Chief Pleas. Mr Witney-Price said the deal was in line with the agreement previously reached with Island Power in November, which had lapsed in April after Chief Pleas said it intended to carry out a compulsory said: "After nearly two decades of conflict under multiple owners the time has come for an approach that expressly benefits the population."Mr Witney-Price continued: "Sadly, the conflict and acrimony from some in Chief Pleas has simply been impossible to resolve. "Even this week, Chief Pleas once again refused permission for a wayleave across the Coupe."By refusing this vital permission to allow key new infrastructure, Chief Pleas denies Sark the opportunity to grow and to thrive."Chief Pleas have made it abundantly clear that my investment is not welcome here and I simply must accept that fact."He added: "Ultimately, while I am genuinely disappointed to be exiting in this forced manner, I thoroughly love Sark and this, I believe, is genuinely in the island's best interest."The business transfer is due to take place on 3 Pleas said it would respond to the announcement and Mr Witney-Price's comments during the week.
