Alderney Electricity CEO steps down at year end

The announcement comes as the utility has stepped up plans to develop renewable energy on the island, a project that is being led by Mr Lancaster.

He and his company hoped to provide at least a third of the island’s electricity from renewable technologies by May 2026, using three 60-metre wind turbines and a large photovoltaic installation.

Currently, the island relies 100% on imported diesel fuel.

This information was announced at the company’s annual general meeting of shareholders.

“The AEL team has turned the company around over the past decade,” said Mr Lancaster.

I am incredibly proud of them and what we have achieved. We have improved all our systems, providing a better service to the Alderney community and delivering a safe, modern and stable electricity network.

“We are embarking on a journey to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and transition to a truly sustainable energy future. We have laid the foundation, but the journey could take decades. The Board and I agree that it is time to hand over power to the next generation.”

Mr. Lancaster is a professional engineer with experience in the process industry and aerospace sectors.

He oversaw the West of England’s renewable energy plan before moving to Alderney in 2014 to take up a position at AEL.

In his role, he oversaw a major modernisation of the distribution network, the reconstruction of power plants and the upgrade of the energy system to prepare it for renewable energy.

He initially thought about quitting before the pandemic, when his wife moved to the UK. He now lives in the south of England, commuting to Alderney and working remotely.

He added that his retirement is approaching and he wants to give his successor a good time to hand over his responsibilities.

The renewable energy readiness work is progressing well and the public has responded positively to having solar panels, he said. A building permit application is being prepared.

If successful, the project will be handed over to a specialist contractor. Mr Lancaster said that if all goes smoothly, the solar garden could start producing power in early 2026. However, realistically, it could take a little longer.

Plans to build wind turbines have proven more controversial.

“There was a lot more to worry about,” Mr Lancaster said.

“We felt it was up to the next generation to make the decision.”

Mr Lancaster will continue to serve on an interim basis until a new managing director is appointed.

He said that while he will not be able to see the renewable energy installations during his term, he looks forward to seeing them during future visits.

Chief executive Matt Birmingham said Mr Lancaster had been a tremendous asset to the company over the past 10 years.

“Both the company and the island are extremely grateful to him for his work to improve the island’s electrical infrastructure,” he said.

‘We will miss him greatly.’

The recruitment process to replace Mr Lancaster will begin shortly.