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How Alderney's electricity system works
Alderney operates its own independent electricity system. All the power used on the island is generated locally and managed within a single, self-contained network.
about the system
An island electricity system
Alderney's electricity system is what engineers call an isolated microgrid. Every second of every day, the amount of electricity being generated must closely match the amount being used across the island. If that balance shifts too far in either direction, the system can become unstable.
Maintaining that balance is our central task.
Generation
How electricity is generated
At present, most of Alderney's electricity is generated at the island's power station using diesel generators.
These generators provide reliable, controllable electricity that can respond quickly to changes in demand. Because the island system is relatively small, having generation that can be adjusted quickly is essential for maintaining stability.
Currently, the island burns around 1.6 million litres of diesel each year to generate electricity, alongside other fuels used for heating and transport across the island.
While diesel generation has provided reliable electricity for decades, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels is an important long-term objective. For this reason, we are preparing the system to integrate increasing levels of renewable energy.
Infrastructure
The electricity network
Much of Alderney's network infrastructure is underground, providing additional protection against storms and falling debris. We continuously monitor and maintain this infrastructure to ensure electricity flows safely and reliably across the island.
High-voltage cables
Carry electricity from the power station across the island.
Substations
Reduce voltage to safe levels for distribution to homes and businesses.
Low-voltage lines
Deliver electricity to individual properties across the island.
your bill
Paying for the system
Electricity bills do more than pay for the fuel used to generate electricity.
They also fund the infrastructure that makes electricity available across the island. This includes the power station, cables, substations, monitoring and maintenance, safety, staffing and ongoing investment in the network.
On a small island system, these fixed costs are significant. The network must be maintained regardless of how much electricity is used at any given time. We also have to anticipate technology changes and build the future we need.
As our energy system evolves, including the introduction of more renewable generation, it is important that the cost of maintaining the system is shared fairly across all users.
reliability
Why power cuts sometimes occur
Power interruptions can occasionally occur on any independent island system. Alderney relies on a small number of diesel generators, so if a generator trips or a network fault occurs, the effect can be felt quickly across the system.
Some outages are planned, when engineers need to shut down sections of the network for maintenance or to connect new infrastructure. Others are unplanned, caused by equipment faults or external damage. In all cases, our aim is to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
Investment in modern equipment and monitoring systems has significantly reduced the frequency of island-wide outages in recent years, and that work continues.
Looking head
Integrating renewable energy
Alderney has strong potential for renewable energy, including solar, wind and wave. The move to renewable power is both a vision for the future and a practical necessity. It addresses high energy costs, enhances local resilience and aligns with wider environmental commitments.
Solar and wind are intermittent, so integrating them into a small island system requires additional tools such as energy storage and improved monitoring. We are preparing the network for this transition through projects including solar installations, battery storage and smart metering.
Our road to renewables
Our commitment
Electricity infrastructure underpins everyday life on Alderney. Homes, businesses, communications and public services all depend on a reliable supply of power, and our responsibility is to operate and improve that system so it continues to serve the community safely and effectively as energy technology evolves.
Get in touch
Questions about your electricity supply
If you'd like to know more about how the network operates, or have a question about your supply, please get in touch. Our team is always happy to help.
