- Prices to rise from mid-October 2021
- 16.9% total increase in Guernsey
- 13.2% total increase in Jersey
- £10-15 per month increase for an average customer
- Price rises linked to market factors will be reviewed by IEG in 6 months
- IEG say security of supply is the top priority
The Islands Energy Group, parent company of Guernsey Gas and Jersey Gas has announced that gas prices in the islands will rise from the middle of October 2021 in line with significant increases in the cost of all forms of wholesale gas currently being experienced across the world.
In Guernsey, a permanent price increase of 2.2% is to be applied, with an additional, market-linked increase of 14.7% also in effect from the middle of October. This will be reviewed in 6 months and may be reduced if global market conditions allow.
In Jersey, a 2% price decrease from the current level is being applied from mid-October. An additional, market-linked increase of 15.2% is also being brought in at the same time and will be reviewed and may be reduced after 6 months if market conditions allow.
Islands Energy Group CEO Jo Cox said: “These are not decisions we take lightly but having explored all our options we are left with only this difficult choice.
“The price of wholesale gas has doubled as energy markets are reacting to a variety of complex influences including a significant number of events across the world, such as Brexit, Covid, storms across America, and unpredictable weather globally. It is a wide range of factors that have combined to affect supply chains in a variety of ways, increasing the cost of many things that are crucial to the supply of gas.
“We are working closely with both the States of Jersey and Guernsey to ensure they are fully up to date on the situation and that they are able to offer support where they can.”
Both Guernsey and Jersey Gas provide a Priority Customer Care scheme that can offer customers payment plans, ‘Comfort Checks’ for customers at home and further support if needed.
“We understand that news of price increases for customers can cause concern and we would like to remind our customers that they can sign up for our Priority Customer Care service if they would like to discuss any additional support that we are able to give them,” said Ms Cox.
“Our team can be reached in Jersey on 755577 or in Guernsey on 724811.”
Ministers statements on gas price rises
The Minister for Infrastructure, Deputy Kevin Lewis, said: “We have been in close contact with Jersey Gas and were aware of the price increase that they have announced today. We recognise that the price increase will be a concern to many of their customers, and Government will ensure that vulnerable Islanders are supported. We are also committed to maintaining stability in our energy market, and Government officers are working with Jersey Gas to ensure suitable mechanisms to help customers are in place.”
Minister for Social Security, Deputy Judy Martin, said: “Although only a small proportion of vulnerable Islanders and low-income households rely on gas, we are aware that the price increase will have an impact. I have asked officers to investigate the impact of the price increase and we will be focusing on offering support to those who may struggle over the winter months.”
Government of Jersey Press Release