Island Back On Gas By Next Wednesday?

The boss of Island Energy is now targeting Thursday (12 October) to begin reconnecting customers.

A decision is expected today about whether it is safe to turn the gas plant back on.

A 'rogue code' knocked out power to the plant on Saturday, leaving 4,500 homes and businesses without their boilers, cookers and heaters.

Islanders were told that some could expect to be back on the network today.

However, CEO Jo Cox tells us she decided it was too risky to get the plant up and running again.

" I didn't feel we had done enough in our risk assessment to give me a really confident view of whether we should turn on or not.  With the lens of safety being the most critical part of my decision-making, I wasn't comfortable to make the decision to turn the plant back on by yesterday afternoon.

"We're now in a much better position. 24 hours on we've done everything we possibly can, customers have been receiving letters directly, and engineers have visited more properties.

"By the end of today, I will be able to give a firm yes or no on when the gas supply will be reconnected." 

If the company decides to turn the plant back on on Wednesday, reconnection will begin on Thursday and most islanders will be back on the network by this weekend.

"It will still be phased.

600 customers will require an engineer visit. So whilst we can say we will begin starting supply from Thursday - if there is a 'go' decision at the end of today - not all islanders could be on by the weekend.

A lot of islanders will be, but I can't guarantee all islanders will be."

Asked if all islanders would be back on gas by the middle of next week, Ms Cox said:

"That is certainly our target."

Ms Cox says compensation for those affected will be given on a case by case basis. Island Energy will consider the amount customers spend on their bills and the impact the error has had on them.

Islanders without hot water because of the gas outage can shower at Les Quennevais Sports centre. The government has opened it to non members.

Some local hotels  - including the Cristina, the Somerville and the Old Court House  - are also offering free use of their showers to their local communities.

People in St Helier who are struggling without cooking or heating can contact the parish's Community Services Officer.