"Absurdity abounds!"

In the picturesque island of Sark, residents are facing a significant increase in their electricity bills, following the announcement of a new charge by Sark Electricity Limited (SEL).

The change, a 40p per unit 'legal levy', was introduced on September 1st, with SEL's owner, Alan Witney-Price, stating that it is necessary to fund a challenge against the Electricity Price Commissioner's investigation. However, the move has sparked criticism from various quarters, including the island's Seigneur, Major Christopher Beaumont.

Major Beaumont, in a statement, criticised the new charges, expressing concern over the potential financial difficulties they could impose on bill payers. He also stated that the charges "crystallize the reason for the compulsory purchase" of SEL by Chief Pleas, the local government body of Sark, which is trying to acquire the electricity company.

Witney-Price, in a letter to customers, expressed his regret over having to introduce the additional charges but did not address the potential financial difficulties for customers due to increased electricity bills. He urged Sark residents to challenge their politicians regarding the price hike.

Shane Lynch, the Electricity Price Commissioner, recognises the financial difficulties that could arise from the price hike and encourages affected bill payers to speak directly with SEL. Lynch also stated that he cannot take any action until the statutory process is complete, which is likely to take until the end of September at the earliest.

The Seigneur, Major Beaumont, believes that the EPC will rule against Witney-Price's price hikes. He hopes for a swift resolution to the matter for everyone's sake, stating that he does not intend to pay more than the cost of electricity he consumes.

The planned compulsory purchase of SEL by Chief Pleas is the catalyst behind the new charges. However, Witney-Price's refusal to sell to Chief Pleas but his willingness to sell it privately has led to a legal confrontation between them. The person representing Witney-Price as the opposing party in negotiations with Chief Pleas is Chief Pleas itself.

SEL's new charges, if approved, will increase Sark's electricity price from 49 p/kwh to 113.6 p/kwh, believed to be one of the most expensive in the world. Lynch encourages customers to discuss the matter with SEL if it is likely to cause them financial difficulty. Witney-Price, in response to accusations of the new charges being a form of "revenge against his customers," denied such claims.

As the situation unfolds, the island's residents and politicians await the EPC's decision on the reasonableness of the charge, hoping for a resolution that balances the needs of SEL and the financial wellbeing of the Sark community.