Guernsey Electricity managing director Ian Watson, left, and chairman Ken Gregson with the annual report in the power station control room. (Picture by Tom Tardif, 0816411)

GUERNSEY Electricity’s carbon emissions rose by more than a third last year.

This came as a direct result of an increase in power generated on-island and is sure to reignite discussions about whether the States should change its energy policy.

The company is governed by a States resolution that says it must use the cheapest energy. If crude oil is cheap, Guernsey generates from its Vale power station. However, if it is more economical to import energy from France through the cable link, GE uses this ‘greener’ method.

Managing director Ian Watson said the company wanted to source energy in an environmentally friendly way. But it would come at a cost and he questioned whether islanders could stomach that, especially as Guernsey Electricity has called for further price increases anyway in the wake of a £834,000 loss for last year.

‘It is a government decision,’ he said. ‘If the government moved in that direction, towards reducing on-island emissions by changing that licence condition, we would be fully supportive. But would islanders be prepared for the cost of doing that? That is why it is a political decision.’

As part of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions, Guernsey Electricity has installed 18,000 automated reader meters and plans to have one in every home by 2011.

The company is also heavily involved in efforts to bring tidal generation to the island.