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Utility bills in Alderney on the up

Electricity bills in Alderney could be about to rise by more than 35 per cent.

The present cost of electricity in the island is 36.47p per unit but June's Billet D'Etat includes a proposal to increase the maximum tariff from 40 to 50p per unit.

Policy and Finance chairman Richard Willmott blamed the proposal on the price of oil.

Mr Willmott said: "The maximum charge was last revised as recently as January but oil prices have continued to rise rapidly.

"There has been a 53 per cent rise since 1 February and the company must pay the market price plus shipping costs.

"With further increases in oil prices likely the present maximum permitted tariff of 40p per unit will soon be insufficient."

Mr Willmott said the proposal doesn't automatically mean the price of electricity will rise to 50p per unit straight away.

He said: "This (proposal) does not mean the price will immediately rise to this level - it is a maximum that will allow the company to operate within the financial constraints imposed by law.

"Price rises are never welcome but sometimes they are unavoidable."

Members will also decide whether water rates should rise at next week's meeting after General Services Committee (GSC) chairman Bill Walden tabled a proposal to increase them by 10 per cent.

Mr Walden said: "Having reviewed the forecast of expenditure for 2008 the GSC is proposing an increase of approximately 10 per cent this year, to come into effect from the quarter commencing 25 June."

Members of the public will debate proposals in the Billet at a People's Meeting in the Island Hall on Wednesday (11 June). Alderney States meets on 18 June.

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