Gas firm will have to share risks with minister

Jersey's justice and home affairs minister will have greater powers to oversee the island's gas company, after a legal change was approved by the States Assembly.

Politicians approved the amendment to the Jersey Gas Company (Jersey) Law 1989, which will require the company - now trading as Island Energy - to give information to politicians about the safety and security of the gas supply.

This includes reporting to the government any risks to people or property, with penalties of more than five years for failing to do this.

The amendment was approved unanimously.

The minister Deputy Mary Le Hegarat said the island's Emergencies Council has noted a need for a "timely flow of relevant information" from the gas company, particularly following recent events involving gas.

Under the law, punishments include up to five years in prison and a fine for not providing relevant information and up to seven years in prison and a fine for providing false or misleading information, or for preventing the minister from finding out information.

It will come into force on a day set out by the minister in an official order.

Prior to the vote, politicians threw out a bid from Deputy David Warr for a last-minute amendment that would have reduced the potential prison sentences to three and six months respectively.

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to [email protected].