Jersey 'should get gas pipeline'

Customers in Jersey use Liquefied Petroleum Gas

The States should look into installing a natural gas pipeline to Jersey, a local politician has said.

Deputy Paul Le Claire has asked the States to commission a study into the benefits of a pipeline.

At the moment homes with gas appliances and heating use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is derived from oil.

He said natural gas was a cheaper and more secure form of energy than LPG. He said a pipeline would cost between £20m and £30m to install.

Mr Le Claire said it would provide new jobs in the island and reduce the cost of cooking and heating for people using gas in Jersey.

The managing director of Jersey Gas welcomed the proposal.

Paul Garlick said: "It would be a great asset for the economy and the island as a whole. A natural gas pipeline would be more secure, reliable, affordable and is truly low carbon."

There would also be significant land planning benefits, he added.

"If there was a pipeline you could remove the cylinders from La Collette and the gas holding site. That land would then be released for people to do with what they like."