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WQ.393/2023
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS BY DEPUTY M. TADIER OF ST. BRELADE
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 9th OCTOBER 2023 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 16th OCTOBER 2023
Question
“Further to the situation this weekend where homes and businesses across the Island were left without gas, will the Minister advise –
- how many homes were estimated to have been affected;
- how many businesses were estimated to have been impacted;
- what was the estimated economic impact on businesses;
- whether any compensation be available to residents;
- whether businesses be compensated by Jersey Gas or her department for loss of earnings, including any perishable food that had to be disposed of due to the closure of some businesses, and if not, what recourse to compensation would the Minister suggest;
- whether she has discussed the situation with other Ministerial colleagues, and if so, when and what was the outcome of such discussions; and
- whether Government have a mechanism to impose fines on Jersey Gas, or otherwise hold them to account where necessary, when such a high-level disruption to supply occurs, and if not, why not?”
Answer
- It is understood from Island Energy (IEG) that around 4300 households were affected
- It is understood from IEG that around 300 commercial customers have been affected
- The advice from the Economy Department is that it would be incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to calculate an accurate estimate within the time available. In order to produce an accurate estimate it would be necessary to understand, in quite significant detail, the loss that all businesses faced as well as how much of that loss is or is not recoverable in the coming week.
- This would not be a matter for government, but for IEG. However, we are aware that IEG are considering arrangements to provide compensation, and we would expect them to do further consideration once the immediate event is resolved.
- Likewise, this is a matter for IEG to consider. Equally, some businesses may be able to seek compensation for any losses by way of their insurance.
- The Council of Ministers met on Sunday 8 October to discuss this situation, it has since been discussed at a scheduled meeting of the Council of Ministers on Tuesday 10 October and a meeting of the Emergencies Council was convened on Thursday 12 October to discuss this. Additionally, the Council of Ministers have received daily briefings throughout the incident.
- Consideration is ongoing as to how this incident has occurred, and whether any provisions of the 1989 Gas Law apply.