Carbon intensity of imported electricity

An independent study of carbon intensity was proposed but there was no consensus amongst stakeholders on the possible scope of the study.

The Panel was contacted by Jersey Gas Limited who were concerned that the proposed new Building Bye Laws unfairly advantaged the use of electricity over other forms of energy supply.

The core of the argument was that figures used in the draft Bye laws favoured electricity because the JEC's imported electricity is predominantly nuclear-produced and therefore non-carbon based.

These figures were challenged by Jersey Gas. Jersey Gas set out its case at a meeting on 16th March 2009 and the Panel met the Jersey Electricity Company on 26th May 2009.

An independent study of the carbon intensity issue was proposed but there was no consensus by stakeholders on the scope of this study. The Minister took advice from the Carbon Trust which recommended adopting the French National Grid average for the carbon intensity of imported electricity. The proposed Building Bye Laws were amended to promote energy efficiency without prejudice to the nature of energy supply.