Islanders prepare for possible Sark electricity switch off

People in Sark are preparing for the worst if the island's electricity supply is switched off this week.

The potential power cut would also lead to the loss of the water supply.

The crisis started in the summer, when Sark's Electricity Price Commissioner ordered Sark Electricity to drop its prices by 14 pence a unit, from 66p to 52p. Sark Electricity said this would plunge the utility into £20,000 of monthly losses.

Now the electricity provider says it will be switching off the power by the end of the month.

Last week the government shipped over generators which are set to reconnect vital areas in the middle of the island, such as the doctors surgery, the Sark Hall, the avenue, the Sanctuary Centre and food stores so frozen food can be provided for the island.

While the government is making contingency plans, residents are making plans of their own to make sure their loved ones are protected if the island does lose its power.

Those who usually provide supplies such as fuel are making sure they stock up as much as they can to help islanders if the lights do go out.