THE ENERGY POLICY DEBATE – 25 June 2008
Summary

The States of Guernsey met on 25th June 2008 to debate the island’s Energy Policy, published in Billet D’Etat VIII 2008.

The proposed policy, which ran to 85 pages, advocated an all-electric energy future for Guernsey; crucially stating that fossil fuels will be phased out (leading to the redundancy of the local gas and fuel oil infrastructures) with electricity becoming virtually only fuel within the next two to three decades [p. 786, para 9.7; p.799, para 13.2 A. ix)].

The meeting was marked by vigorous debate, with Deputy Tony Spruce bringing a sursis (delaying motion), calling for more time to gather information. Deputy Spruce’s motion was based on concerns over the cost implications of replacing infrastructure across the island (if electricity dominated), as well as doubts over future security of supply. The sursis was narrowly defeated by 25 votes to 21.

The debate continued, with Deputy Marc Lainé bringing a subtle but significant amendment, calling on States Members to note the Policy, rather than endorse it. The amendment, carried by 27 votes to 19, was official acknowledgement of the concerns that many Deputies shared over the Energy proposals.  

Deputy Lainé cautioned fellow Members: ‘The wording will come back to haunt you. It’s a lot easier to argue and debate it in the future if you note it.’

Noting the Policy means that States Members are free to continue the discussion and dialogue into the best way to meet Guernsey’s future energy requirements, whilst still proceeding with the Energy Policy workstreams.  

How they voted:
On Deputy Tony Spruce’s sursis to delay elements of the energy policy for more information:
For: Deputies Barry Brehaut, Jenny Tasker, Roger Domaille, Allister Langlois, Jan Kuttelwascher, John Gollop, Jack Honeybill, Leon Gallienne, Mike Collins, Ivan Rihoy, Jane Stephens, Tony Spruce, Mary Lowe, Sean MacManus, Barry Paint, Mike Garrett, Al Brouard, Marc Lainé, Gloria Dudley-Owen, Robert Sillars, Janine Le Sauvage Total 21

Against: Deputies Carla McNulty Bauer, Rhoderick Matthews, Carol Steere, Martin Storey, Peter Gillson, Sam Maindonald, Scott Ogier, Lyndon Trott, Matt Fallaize, Geoff Mahy, Graham Guille, Dave Jones, Andrew Le Lievre, Mark Dorey, Hunter Adam, Tom Le Pelley, Bernard Flouquet, David De Lisle, Shane Langlois, Peter Sirett, Charles Parkinson, Mike O’Hara, Michael Hadley and Alderney representatives Richard Wilmott and Bill Walden Total 25

On Deputy Marc Lainé’s amendment to note the energy policy report rather than endorse it:
For: Deputies Carla McNulty Bauer, Jenny Tasker, Roger Domaille, Allister Langlois, Jan Kuttelwascher, John Gollop, Rhoderick Matthews, Martin Storey, Jack Honeybill,, Leon Gallienne, Mike Collins, Peter Gillson, Ivan Rihoy, Jane Stephens, Tony Spruce, Mary Lowe, Dave Jones, Hunter Adam, Sean McManus, Barry Paint, Mike Garrett, Al Brouard,  Marc Lainé, Peter Sirett, Gloria Dudley-Owen, Robert Sillars, Janine Le Sauvage Total 27

Against: Deputies Barry Brehaut, Carol Steere, Sam Maindonald, Scott Ogier, Lyndon Trott, Matt Fallaize, Geoff Mahy, Graham Guille, Andrew Le Lievre, Mark Dorey, Tom Le Pelley, Bernard Flouquet, David De Lisle, Shane Langlois, Charles Parkinson, Mike O’Hara, Mike Hadley and Alderney representatives Richard Wilmott and Bill Walden Total 19