More than 100 protestors have demonstrated outside the head office of Guernsey Electricity Limited (GEL) againstabove-inflation price rises. The island's government-owned electricity company israising its pricesfrom the start of July, withsome customers now paying more than they would in the UK. Pensioner Katina Jones, 70, said she already sat "in the dark" with the lights out to save money on her bill and only used electricity in off-peak hours, when "it's cheap electric - otherwise we can't afford it". A GEL spokesperson said the utility "absolutely understands the strength of feeling amongst some islanders" and the "impact on customers already struggling with the cost of living". The company, which is the island's only electricity provider, said it had "worked hard to keep this year's electricity tariff increase as low as possible". Mrs Jones said: "I live in an area where there are lots of elderly people." She said many of her friends "stay in bed all day or with a blanket over them because they can't afford their heating on". "That's just not on," she added. Jayne Lesbirel, 65, retired recently but used to work for GEL's predecessor, the States Electricity Board, doing data input. She said: "We're on a pension, so we have to budget quite strictly. "And we also look after our grandchildren, so we are at home a lot more than we were before when we were working. "In the winter months, we can't say: 'Oh no. Sorry, we can't afford to put the heating on for you, so you'll have to go cold.'" She said she felt the reasons Guernsey Electricity gave for the price rises, such ashistoric underinvestment, were "just an excuse". "It's because they have a monopoly," she said. Mandy Moriarty, 68, said it was unfair that the standing charge - which is rising to more than £85 - was the same for everyone regardless of how big their home was. She said: "You can't cut down on that. I think the fairer way would be to put a little bit more on the units that you use." "I live in a very old Guernsey cottage, which is stone and it's freezing in there in the winter, and I only run one radiator." She said she feared that, if prices rose at the same rate in future, she would have to turn the heating off altogether, adding: "Then you get damp, so that's not the answer." "You shouldn't be sitting there freezing cold in this day and age because of greed." GEL decided a few years ago to change the way its tariffs were structured, so people paid a higher fixed cost, known as the standing charge. It rose more than 380% between 2021 and July 2025 - from just under £18 to £86.75 a quarter. That is nearly £40 a quarter more expensive than the highest standing charge allowed on the British mainland. So, why is it rising? Before 2022, GEL said 96% of its income came from charging people for using electricity - the unit charge. However, as more people install renewable energy - such as solar panels - in their homes, this would mean the amount of money the company made dropped. This, in turn, has meant increasing the prices for people without renewables, so it could afford "the fixed costs of maintaining and upgrading the electricity network", the company said. A GEL spokesperson told the BBC the company planned to review how it charged for electricity to make it "sustainable" - including for customers "who place a lower strain on the island's electricity network". They said "there will not be further large standing charge increases" until the review had been completed. Protest organiser Myles Duquemin said it was unfair the increased standing charge was "the same whether you're in a five-bedroom mansion or live in a one-bedroom flat". "Electricity is not a luxury, it's a basic human right," he said. He added he hoped "the rates come down and it's reviewed by the new deputies". Mr Duquemin said he had received many messages thanking him for organising the protest. He said many were from cancer suffers and survivors, as well as pensioners, adding: "They either couldn't speak up or felt too afraid to." GEL said it respected "our customers' right to raise their concerns and to attend the protest". A spokesperson for the company thanked Mr Duquemin for "his commitment to ensure the safety and security of our staff and premises on the day". The company took the decision to close its retail shop at its St Sampson headquarters on Saturday, as the protest was due to begin outside it. GEL said: "Where a customer is concerned about their electricity bill, our advice is always to contact us as soon as possible if they are worried about falling into difficulty." "We also share information on our website about our tariffs, the reasons for recent increases, how we spend revenue and ways which consumers can save money on their bills." Follow BBC Guernsey onXandFacebookandInstagram. Send your story ideas tochannel.islands@bbc.co.uk.
'We sit in the dark to save money on electricity'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Protesters Demand Fair Electricity Pricing Amid Rising Costs in Guernsey"
Bbc News
8.0
TruthLens AI Summary
Over a hundred protestors gathered outside the head office of Guernsey Electricity Limited (GEL) to voice their opposition to significant price hikes in electricity tariffs, which are set to take effect at the beginning of July. Many residents are now facing electricity costs that exceed those in the UK, prompting frustration among the population. Pensioner Katina Jones shared her personal struggle, revealing that she often sits in darkness to cut down on expenses, restricting her electricity use to off-peak hours to afford her bills. She expressed concern for her elderly neighbors, some of whom cannot afford to heat their homes, stating that it is unacceptable to live in such conditions. A spokesperson for GEL acknowledged the public's concerns and the impact of rising costs on households already grappling with the cost of living crisis, emphasizing their efforts to keep the tariff increase as minimal as possible under the circumstances.
The protest highlighted broader issues related to the fixed standing charge, which is set to rise sharply and affects all customers regardless of their electricity usage. Many protestors, including retired individuals and those on fixed incomes, criticized the pricing model as unfair, particularly in the context of the rising cost of living. They argued that the standing charge disproportionately burdens those with smaller homes or lower energy consumption. The company has defended the price increases, attributing them to historic underinvestment and the need to maintain and upgrade the electricity network, especially as more residents adopt renewable energy sources, which reduce the overall income from unit charges. GEL has committed to reviewing its pricing structure to ensure sustainability and fairness, promising that there will be no further significant increases in the standing charge until the review is complete. Protest organizer Myles Duquemin emphasized that electricity is a basic necessity and called for a reevaluation of the rates to better serve the community's needs, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pensioners and those with health conditions who may struggle to pay their bills.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the growing discontent among residents of Guernsey regarding rising electricity prices imposed by Guernsey Electricity Limited (GEL). With inflation rates on the rise, the increase in electricity costs is particularly burdensome for vulnerable demographics, such as the elderly and those on fixed incomes. The protests signify a community grappling with the dual pressures of rising living costs and limited options for energy providers.
Community Sentiment and Collective Action
The protests outside GEL's headquarters reflect a strong community sentiment against the price hikes, which some residents feel are unjustifiable given their financial constraints. Statements from pensioners like Katina Jones illustrate the extreme measures some are taking to cope with rising costs, such as limiting their electricity usage and living in uncomfortable conditions. This suggests a sense of urgency among the demonstrators, as they seek to bring attention to their plight.
Perception of Monopoly and Accountability
Critics of GEL have pointed out the company's monopoly over electricity provision on the island, arguing that it lacks competition, which in turn reduces accountability. The narrative suggests that the reasons provided by GEL for the price increases, such as historic underinvestment, are seen as inadequate by residents. This situation raises questions about regulatory oversight and the need for alternative energy options that could potentially mitigate such price hikes.
Economic and Social Implications
The rising costs of electricity can have far-reaching implications for the local economy, particularly if vulnerable populations are forced to cut back on essential services. This could lead to increased economic hardship and could further strain social services as more individuals seek assistance. The article hints at potential political ramifications as well, as public discontent could translate into calls for legislative action or changes in leadership.
Target Audience and Support Base
The article appeals primarily to older adults and low-income families who are directly affected by the price hikes. The voices of pensioners resonate strongly in the narrative, highlighting their struggles and reflecting a broader concern for the welfare of the elderly population in Guernsey. By focusing on personal stories, the article aims to foster empathy and solidarity among readers.
Market and Global Repercussions
While the article focuses on a local issue, it does raise broader questions about energy prices and economic stability, which could resonate in broader markets. Increased electricity prices may lead to a shift in consumer behavior, potentially affecting stocks related to utilities and energy providers. However, the immediate impact on global markets seems limited given the localized nature of the protests.
Connection to Global Issues
This situation ties into larger global trends regarding energy costs and the cost-of-living crisis, which has been exacerbated by various factors, including geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions. The local protests in Guernsey can be seen as part of a larger narrative of public dissatisfaction with rising living costs that is being felt in many regions worldwide.
Use of AI in Reporting
There is no clear evidence in the article that artificial intelligence was used in its writing. However, if AI were involved, it could have influenced the framing of the narrative or the selection of quotes to emphasize emotional appeal. AI models that analyze sentiment or trending topics might have guided the focus on personal stories to elicit a stronger response from readers.
The article is credible, as it presents direct quotes from affected individuals and a response from the utility company, showcasing multiple perspectives on the issue. It serves to highlight the community's struggle with rising costs and the perceived inadequacies of the utility's justifications for the price hikes.
Overall, the article aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by residents of Guernsey in light of rising electricity prices, emphasizing the need for accountability and potential solutions to ensure fair access to essential services.