Sark Electricity sale could see it community-owned

Sark's electricity company is set to be bought by energy provider Island Power and moved into community ownership.

Current owner Alan Witney-Price said a price of £2.4m had been agreed with Island Power after offers had been received from four parties including Chief Pleas.

In March, Chief Pleas said it intended to pursue compulsory purchase if necessary to bring the business under government ownership.

However, Mr Witney-Price said Island Power would see ownership move to the island's residents with a management team to help deliver the change - the change from private to community ownership needs to be approved by Chief Pleas.

Mr Witney-Price said the deal was in line with the agreement previously reached with Island Power in November, which had lapsed in April after Chief Pleas said it intended to carry out a compulsory purchase.

He said: "After nearly two decades of conflict under multiple owners the time has come for an approach that expressly benefits the population."

Mr Witney-Price continued: "Sadly, the conflict and acrimony from some in Chief Pleas has simply been impossible to resolve.

"Even this week, Chief Pleas once again refused permission for a wayleave across the Coupe.

"By refusing this vital permission to allow key new infrastructure, Chief Pleas denies Sark the opportunity to grow and to thrive.

"Chief Pleas have made it abundantly clear that my investment is not welcome here and I simply must accept that fact."

He added: "Ultimately, while I am genuinely disappointed to be exiting in this forced manner, I thoroughly love Sark and this, I believe, is genuinely in the island's best interest."

The business transfer is due to take place on 3 July.

Chief Pleas said it would respond to the announcement and Mr Witney-Price's comments during the week.

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].