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Sark electricity price increases 'unfair'

Sark's price commissioner brands the 114% increase unreasonable but says he cannot act until October.

The two price hikes totalling 60 pence a unit were introduced on 1 September because the owner of the utility is trying to build up a fund to fight compulsory purchase by Sark's government, Chief Pleas.

The island's electricity price commissioner, Shane Lynch, says the electricity tariff should not be used in this way, as providing for a court case has nothing to do with generating or distributing electricity.

However, he says part of the 60 pence increase, that is branded a price consultation levy, is reasonable, but at a fraction of the 20 pence a unit increase.

Mr Lynch says he cannot rush the statutory process and so it will be October before he can cap prices.

Already, businesses are suffering because of the significant price hike, with some operating reduced hours.

Mr Lynch says anyone who struggles to pay should contact Sark Electricity and ask that the increase is not added to their bills.

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