The utilities such as Electricity, Gas and Water in the Channel Islands are mainly provided by the governmental authorities and two main providers.
Electricity
France imports the electricity to the Channel Islands through an underwater cable and runs on 240-volt system. This is circulated by the Jersey electricity company with affordable rates. The network is spread across the Channel Islands and is called the Channel Islands Electricity Grid (CIEG) and is operated by the two channel island companies which it is distributed by – Guernsey Electricity and Jersey Electricity. Other small islands electricity is managed by the local authorities.
The majority of the electricity used in Guernsey and jersey is supplied by the French energy utility company – EDF. Tariffs and rates may vary for both electricity and gas with some being fixed. The electricity companies can provide a tariff to suit electricity needs from heating and lighting. To pay for bills, this can be done fairly quickly, whether it is online or through direct debit.
Gas
The gas in the Channel Islands is distributed across both Jersey and Guernsey and is owned by IEG (International Energy Group), these are both operated by the subsidiaries Jersey Gas and Guernsey Gas. The gas that is used is bought from international wholesale markets and is then distributed through the local gas companies.
There are two main suppliers in the Channel Islands which run the distribution and transmissions – these are Guernsey Gas and Jersey Gas.
Gas is distributed to local homes and businesses in two ways. Those with a mains gas will have a network of underground mains through the production plant where the gas is processed. While others will need to have a refillable gas cylinder which is filled and reliable gas is delivered to the customer’s door. Some properties are however connected to the gas mains supply.
Water
The water supply comes from Jersey water or Guernesy water as there is no natural water resources it is reliant on the surface water for the main water supply. The amount that is paid is related to the rental costs of the property expats are living in. So the more rent you pay, the more you will pay for water supply. Expats will find that some properties will have their own water supply.