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Utility bills in Alderney are on the up

States members have agreed to increase the maximum charge of electricity from 40p to 50p per unit and passed a motion to raise water rates by 10 per cent.

Policy and Finance chairman Richard Willmott apologised for the electricity increase, which is the second this year.

He said: "I am sorry to be returning with yet another change to the maximum amount.

"However, oil price increases have continued to rise at an alarming rate in 2008 and no one really knows where prices are heading."

Mr Willmott revealed a plan to help the poorest in society cope with increased electricity bills is already in the pipeline.

He said: "A proposed joint initiative between the States, Alderney Electricity and other agencies to assist those on low incomes has already been discussed and it is hoped real progress can be made on this before the winter comes."

Alderney's water rates will go up this month - three months earlier than expected.

General Services Committee chairman Bill Walden blamed the early rise on the water board's rising deficit, which currently stands at £76,300.

Mr Walden also said islanders had been undercharged for water in the past.

"The GSC regrets having to bring the charge in three months early but escalating costs have made this necessary," said Mr Walden.

"Islanders must also be aware that they have been charged unrealistically low rates over the years and these increases simply bring the charges closer to those in Guernsey."

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