Protest at latest Guernsey Electricity price increase

Wednesday, 28 May 2025 09:30

An islander organising a protest about rising power bills says he has the support of hundreds on social media who say they are being priced out of the basics.

Myles Duquemin says the latest 8% rise in electricity prices has caused him to organise a protest outside the company's St Sampson's headquarters in June.

It is the fourth increase in as many years. Prices went up by 9% in 2022, 13% in 2023 and 10% in 2024.

Guernsey Electricity says it needs the money because of years of under investment in the infrastructure, and tariffs that are now increasing after being kept artificially low because of forward buying. In addition, the fixed charge is having to rise to cushion those unable to afford home generation, like solar and heat pumps.

Myles says he, and many of the people who have contacted him, cannot afford to pay more for electricity:

"They're raising it by 8% which is ridiculous. RPI as released by the States is 4.2% so it's double the cost of living."

"It does upset me quite a lot as someone who's grown up here, that I won't be able to afford to live in this island any more."

Myles says that since starting the social media page, he has been messaged by hundreds of islanders:

"There's loads of people here in Guernsey that are struggling so badly, that they can't afford the price rises. I'm getting calls and emails saying this will be the end of them because they just can't afford it."

"This island was built by working people, and it’s those same people who are now being pushed out.

"Guernsey cannot function without them. It’s not just a playground for the wealthy. It’s not fair that they should be skipping meals just to keep the lights on."

The protest is scheduled for 14 June at 10am.