GUERNSEY GAS managing director Paul Garlick has expressed his frustration at the ongoing disputes between States utilities and their regulator.

Guernsey Electricity and Guernsey Post both raised concerns last week about the Office of Utility Regulation.

Mr Garlick said he was pleased that the various stakeholders were starting to take GE’s £3m. loss seriously as it was costing the taxpayer money.

However, he added that Guernsey Gas was confused about the situation regarding Guernsey Electricity prices.

‘We are confused because GE says that it has asked the OUR for the tariffs to be reviewed, but the OUR has said GE hasn’t asked for the price control to be reopened.

‘Islanders must be wondering what on earth is going on,’ he said.

‘Like them, we would like to know who is telling the truth. Guernsey Gas intends to write to both Commerce and Employment and Treasury and Resources to see whether these departments can throw any light on the matter,’ he said.

‘Somebody needs to take accountability for a tariff review now.’

He said that Guernsey Electricity operating some of its tariffs below cost would cause islanders to pay more.

‘They are being forced to sell electricity for less than it costs to buy or produce it because of the regulatory price control,’ he said.

‘It doesn’t make sense. It costs taxpayers and the island.’