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GUERNSEY Electricity’s backing for tidal generation has received strong support from islanders.

A survey by the company gave unanimous backing to its monitoring of renewable energy technology, and agreed that the island should be ready to switch to more environmentally friendly energy sources as soon as they became economically viable.

In 2004 Guernsey Electricity invested £250,000 in Marine Current Turbines, a UK company behind pioneering research into tidal power generation. A prototype of its design is due to be installed in Strangford Lough later this year.

More than 95% of respondents believed that the company’s investment had been ‘a good move’ for the island.

A majority also felt that local customers would be prepared to pay extra for greener electricity. Less than one in five thought the island should ignore renewable energy while it was more expensive than conventional sources.

168 islanders responded to the online survey, launched as part of Guernsey Electricity’s Green Enterprise initiative, which co-ordinates the company’s environmental projects.

Managing director Ian Watson said feedback from the public was essential to enable it to plan for the future.

‘It is important that we listen to the views of islanders in terms of how we go about meeting the demand for electricity going forward. Everyone now broadly accepts that climate change is a reality, but different people have different views on how you should address this,’ he said.

‘What is clear from the survey is there is strong backing locally for renewable sources to make a greater contribution towards the islands future generation mix. As a company we believe that is the way forward.’

Just over half said they saw Guernsey Electricity as a source of advice on renewable energy.

‘We believe that as a company we have a responsibility to take the lead on environmental issues. Electricity is the one source of energy available locally that has the potential to be carbon free. That puts us in a unique position, to be at the forefront of local efforts to reduce carbon emissions,’ said Mr Watson.

Anyone who would like to take part in the survey can complete the questionnaire at www.greenenterprise.gg. A printed version is also available by contacting the company on 200700.