ISLAND Energy will be legally obliged to share critical information with the government, if law changes proposed by the Home Affairs Minister are approved.
Deputy Mary Le Hegarat has lodged an amendment to the Jersey Gas Company (Jersey) Law 1989, which would strengthen government oversight of the Island’s gas supply.
The changes would place an obligation on Jersey Gas Company Ltd – which trades as Island Energy – to immediately notify the government about events that could threaten public safety, gas supply, financial stability or ownership changes.
The proposition comes just days after Island Energy was summonsed to appear in court to answer charges relating to the Haut du Mont explosion, which claimed the lives of ten Islanders in December 2022.
Following a separate police investigation, three former employees of the utility company were last month charged with multiple counts of gross negligence manslaughter.
If Deputy Le Hegarat’s proposition is approved by politicians, Island Energy would be required to disclose information relating to public safety or gas supply security on request.
But some information would remain exempt from disclosure under the new law, such as legally privileged documents. Information could only be shared with government departments, regulators, or emergency services, and only for specific purposes such as risk assessment, emergency planning and financial monitoring.
Under the new law, the minister or an authorised official would also be allowed to enter premises (excluding private homes), examine documents and require a person to answer questions and provide information.
New criminal offences and penalties would also be introduced if the changes are approved. Failure to notify or disclose information would result in up to five years in prison and fines, while providing false information, destroying records, or obstructing inspections would be punishable by up to seven years in prison and fines.
The legislative update would also allow the States Assembly to quickly amend the law in response to urgent safety or supply issues.
It is due to be debated by politicians next month.
