'Lessons to learn': Island Energy's new CEO apologises for 'distress' caused after gas leak

• ITV Channel's Katya Fowler speaks to Island Energy's CEO on the response to residents being evacuated following a gas leak on the weekend

Island Energy's new CEO says they have "lessons to learn" following a gas leak in Jersey on the weekend.

Emergency services were called to Le Clos Mourant in St Clement on Saturday 14 December where around 50 homes were evacuated.

Engineers discovered a gas pocket in a service duct, which has since been vented and the leak fixed.

With the 2nd anniversary of the Haut du Mont disaster only last week, it's been a particularly sensitive time for the new CEO of Island Energy to take over.

In his first fortnight in the role, Graeme Millar, Island Energy's CEO, has had to apologise for the "distress" caused by this latest incident.

Mr Millar explains: "I'd like to thank everyone who was affected for their forbearance and for their patience.

"This is a fortunately very rare occurrence where we have to evacuate any people.

"There are lessons to learn from that, we don't want things like this to happen very often, but we could be slicker in our communication going forward.

"I apologise for the distress that was caused but ultimately, I think the most important thing was that people were being kept safe and fortunately no one was hurt or injured."

Graeme Millar applauded the member of the public who reported the incident, explaining: "[They] did what they should do: they smelled gas and called the emergency hotline.

"We very much encourage people that if they ever feel unsafe, if they smell gas or anything else contact us [...] we will attend immediately.

"On average for every six calls we get to the emergency line, only one of them involves a gas leak, so we're really here to help."

Mr Millar also explained that despite starting the role this month, he will remain committed to the island.

He explains: "Clearly the gas company in Jersey is challenged and someone has to take on that challenge.

"I've lived here on the island for 14 years. I feel very much part of the community.

"I want to do what I can to serve the community that I live in and make sure that we have a safe, cost-effective, reliable source of low-carbon energy for the island."

The Island Energy boss says that work has been done to make the gas network safer, with more upgrading into the network.

He explains: "We are investing a very substantial amount of money - over the last three years £4 million in upgrading and maintaining the gas infrastructure on the island.

"Of that £4 million, nearly half was spent in the last 12 months, and that's in common with gas companies around the world.

"With any kind of infrastructure, you have to keep spending money to maintain it and that's what we're doing, and the amount we're spending is actually accelerating."

Residents evacuated from their homes say they were extremely nervous to return to their properties.

Connie Lopez-Rubio, her two young children, and her dog were just one of the 50 homes evacuated.

She says: "I have no memory. My adrenaline was so rushed because I was like 'Let's just get out'; it's a split second [decision].

"Even coming back the next day I felt eerie. All day yesterday I felt like: 'Can I turn the light switch on?'. You smell something and you think 'What's that smell?'.

"I did feel more relaxed being in the hotel but I'm thinking, is it ok to go back?"

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...