The OUR

The Office of Utility Regulation (the OUR) is the regulatory agency for the three utility sectors of telecommunications, post and electricity in Guernsey.

Established in 2001 under the Regulation (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2001 and headed up by a States appointed Director General, Mr John Curran, the Office's functions are governed by legislation on each of the three different sectors.

The strategic aims of the OUR are:

• To ensure that consumers receive the best value, choice and access to high quality utility services.
  
  
• To ensure that the Bailiwick of Guernsey has vibrant, sustainable utility sectors capable of maintaining pace with global developments and thereby contributing to the economic and social well-being of the islands.
  

Utility Services in Guernsey

Most of us today take utility services for granted because they form an integral part of the fabric of our business and private lives. Whether we have just purchased our first mobile phone, or are investing in computerised systems to support our business, we expect to be assured of reliable and top quality communications and energy services. But worldwide, the methods of delivery and range of services offered by utilities companies are undergoing fundamental changes as they adapt to meet the greater demands and needs of customers for more functionality, better reliability and quality and cheaper prices.

Guernsey's utility sectors are facing into a change process as they transform themselves to cope with the demands of a 21st century economy. This is vital if Guernsey is to continue to compete successfully with its neighbours and maintain its position as a vibrant and attractive place to do business. It is also necessary if the people of the Bailiwick are to have the same standard and service as other advanced western European jurisdictions.

The OUR has been set up in response to these changes and the new regulatory framework is designed to facilitate the transformation process in the utilities sector, protecting and promoting both the interests of consumers and the overall economy of the Bailiwick.

Telecommunications

Under the Regulation of Telecommunications (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2001 the office has the responsibility for licensing of telecommunications operators as well as managing the liberalisation of the telecommunications market. The OUR will achieve this by encouraging best practice in the telecoms sector, while giving new operators access to the existing network within realistic timescales and at realistic costs. Ultimately the main beneficiary of this process is the consumer.

Post

The OUR is charged with licensing postal activities in Guernsey by the Post Office (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2001. Postal services play a vital role in contributing both to the social and to the economic life of the Bailiwick, with particular importance in ensuring the competitive position of the islands. The aim of the office therefore is to drive forward improvements in quality of service, affordability, and competitiveness in the interests of domestic and business consumers alike while ensuring the delivery of universal service is maintained.

Electricity

Under The Electricity (Guernsey) Law, 2001 the OUR has power to license operators and oversee the introduction of competition within the electricity market. The regulated activities include generation, conveyance and supply of electricity. The office will ensure that where the market is opened up there is a level playing field for new entrants, and will be emphasising the need for continuously improved power supplies that deliver sustainability, safety, reliability, quality and cost effectiveness.

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