‘Proposals are misleading’: Deputy Tony Spruce said other deputies had encouraged him to bring a sursis to the States over elements of energy policy.

GUERNSEY could be left at the mercy of the Europeans if it pursues some of the proposals in the energy policy, according to Deputy Tony Spruce.
Elements of the policy are to be debated by the States next week. However, Deputy Spruce aims to bring a sursis to the House as he fears the policy might damage island security and be very expensive.
‘I believe that to promote the long-term switch to electricity as our only energy source is foolhardy in the extreme,’ he said.
He said the Policy Council should look at the cost for the community, industry and the States itself, if the island is to turn away from oil and gas and switch to imported electricity for its energy requirements.
Deputy Spruce said the supplier could raise prices without Guernsey being able to argue.
‘We will be at the mercy of the Europeans,’ he said.
He also warned the States not to overestimate the loyalty oil and gas companies have to the island.
‘The report seems to presume  that the oil and gas companies will wait until the States force them out of business. But once they reach a critical tick point, where their profits drop, they will just shut down.’
However, he said he agreed with 70-80% of the policy document and supports tidal power and any environmental measures which will halt Guernsey’s carbon emissions.
‘I am a committed environmentalist and vice chairman of the National Trust of Guernsey. When tidal power becomes economically and technologically viable I’ll be the first to sign up.’
He said his 40 years in the energy industry provided him with sufficient insight to know he must sursis three of seven sections of the energy document. He said despite the fact most of his past experience comes from working for Guernsey Gas he has no vested interests and his argument with the policy document has nothing to do with the company.
‘I am not looking out for Guernsey Gas. I am a deputy with a responsibility to the people of this island.’
He said other States members had encouraged him to bring the sursis because he is experienced and they felt confident in him.
‘If my sursis gets through and Policy Council carries out investigations it will become self-evident that the long-term strategy in the policy document is misguided.’