cost of supplying electricity under different scenarios

Summary

The requester asked for fully costed assessments comparing electricity supply scenarios (maximizing imports vs. on-island generation) and carbon emissions calculations from the last 10 years. The Manx Utilities Authority responded that they do not hold or could not find the requested information after taking reasonable steps.

Key Facts

• The Manx Utilities Authority does not hold the requested costed assessments or carbon emission calculations.
• The authority conducted reasonable steps to locate the information but was unable to find it.
• The request covered scenarios involving the interconnector, on-island generation, and power export to the UK.
• The requester sought documents from the last 10 years, including internal assessments and consultant reports.
• The request was formally closed on 16 March 2026.

Data Disclosed

• 5339958
• 2026-02-27
• 2026-03-16
• 10 years
• IM99 1PS
• 01624 687687

Original Request

I am interested in whether the Manx Utilities Authority has itself undertaken (or procured others to undertake) fully costed assessments (assessments which would likely include, but aren't necessarily limited to, for example all running costs, fuel costs, infrastructure maintenance/servicing/parts-replacement/wear and tear costs, power import costs, power export revenue, staffing costs and the like) comparing the cost of electricity to the company and/or to the consumer under the following scenarios: a) maximising importation of electricity through the interconnector to power the Island (and therefore minimising on-Island generation); versus b) maximising on-Island power generation with (and without) large-scale power export to the UK through the interconnector; and/or c) The current status quo, if different from the above. I am also interested in the calculation of the carbon emissions (as accounted for on the Island's inventory and overall emissions wherever accounted for) resulting from the scenarios. As I do not know what documentation may exist, it is difficult to know what to ask for, but I would like to see any internal assessment documents, consultant's reports which assesses the issue and any operational decision-making documents or similar. If there are numerous such assessments made over time, I would like to see any undertaken in the last 10 years please.

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Manx Utilities PO Box 177, Douglas Isle of Man, IM99 1PS

e: enquiries@manxutilities.im t: 01624 687687 www.manxutilities.im

Our ref: 5339958 16 March 2026

Dear ###

We write further to your request received 27 February 2026, which states:

"I am interested in whether the Manx Utilities Authority has itself undertaken (or procured others to undertake) fully costed assessments (assessments which would likely include, but aren't necessarily limited to, for example all running costs, fuel costs, infrastructure maintenance/servicing/parts-replacement/wear and tear costs, power import costs, power export revenue, staffing costs and the like) comparing the cost of electricity to the company and/or to the consumer under the following scenarios:
a) maximising importation of electricity through the interconnector to power the Island (and therefore minimising on-Island generation); versus
b) maximising on-Island power generation with (and without) large-scale power export to the UK through the interconnector; and/or
c) The current status quo, if different from the above.
I am also interested in the calculation of the carbon emissions (as accounted for on the Island's inventory and overall emissions wherever accounted for) resulting from the scenarios.
As I do not know what documentation may exist, it is difficult to know what to ask for, but I would like to see any internal assessment documents, consultant's reports which assesses the issue and any operational decision-making documents or similar. If there are numerous such assessments made over time, I would like to see any undertaken in the last 10 years please."

Our response to your request is as follows:

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance Manx Utilities does not hold or cannot, after taking reasonable steps to do so, find the information that you have requested.

Please quote the reference number 5339958 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

If you are unhappy with this response to your freedom of information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post.

An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website at https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/Review . If you would like a paper version of our complaint form to be sent to you by post, please contact me and I will be happy to arrange for this. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded. If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or 2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi. I will now close your request as of this date.

Yours sincerely