Introduction

As the twentieth century approached, Guernsey reached the point in its development at which it became apparent that, to obtain the optimum benefit from electricity, it should establish a system in which a specialised electricity supplier would provide electric power to the community  To achieve this an organisation was formed that one hundred years later was known as "Guernsey Electricity".

This story follows the industry through its first century of operation that started on February 20^th 1900  It is hoped that those who read these pages will gain some insight into the factors that have to be balanced to achieve the objective of a reliable supply of electric power, at an acceptable price. This is of particular importance at a time when the future constitution of the undertaking and the method of regulating its activities are under scrutiny  A better understanding of the industry can only raise the standard of discussion during the course of the debates that seem set to continue over the years.

It is appreciated that the whole area on the north side of St Sampson's Harbour that at February 20^th 2000 was occupied by the States Electricity Board for its' plant, offices and stores, is situated in the parish of the Vale  This fact has always been recognised by the payment of rates to that parish  However throughout the following text it is referred to as "St. Sampson's", the title by which it has been generally known  The origin of this error in nomenclature is shrouded in the mists of time, but in correspondence at least as far back as 1902 the power station was referred to as being situated in St. Sampson's parish  As this error has persisted for one hundred years, it has been considered appropriate to continue its use in this text.

It was never the intention that this story should be a technical work  However the very nature of the business is commercial and engineering, and consequently it has been necessary to introduce some technical explanations  It is hoped that the non-technical reader will have no difficulty in following the unfolding story.

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