A fractured mains pipe caused a gas leak in St Clement, according to Island Energy's new CEO.

The source was around 150 metres from Le Clos Mourant but travelled to the residential building through the utility ducts.

Island Energy CEO Graeme Millar apologises to evacuated residents and says a member of the public did the right thing by ringing the emergency hotline - 01534 755 555.

"They reported that they smelt gas. We responded immediately. One of our engineers came out, confirmed there was gas, and then we worked with the Fire Service to evacuate the building and subsequently located and repaired the leak."

It was a gas leak.

It was caused by a fractured main which was about 150 metres away from the property where gas was detected.

The gas had travelled down another utilites duct to the building.

- CEO of Island Energy, Graeme Millar

Graeme Millar, CEO of Island Energy

The utility company says it prioritises the maintenance of, and upgrades to, the network to regain public trust.

According to the new CEO, around £4 million has been spent since 2021, almost half of which has been in the last 12 months.

Mr Millar told Channel 103 that Island Energy takes responsibility for gas on the island incredibly seriously.

"It's our number one priority. We’re spending a lot of money on maintaining and upgrading our network.

"I would encourage gas users to make sure all their appliances are regularly serviced and maintained."

One in every six of the emergency calls that we get is traced to a gas escape.

Of those gas escapes, very few of them are related directly to our network, many of those gas escapes are related to faulty appliances that customers have.

- CEO of Island Energy, Graeme Millar

Le Clos Mourant, St Clement

Channel 103 asked the new CEO why he took on the role amid the issues Island Energy has faced in recent years.

"I understand how important this is, the safety of the community, and I welcome the opportunity and the challenge to do something good for the island and it's really important that good people across the island are supported by folks working for Island Energy."

Jersey Fire & Rescue Service says if you smell gas or suspect a gas escape, call Island Energy’s 24-hour emergency line, on 01534 755 555, immediately and follow the advice below:

• Call Island Energy immediately on 01534 755 555 (ideally, leave the property to call);
• Open doors and windows to ventilate;
• Turn off gas appliances and, if possible, switch off the gas supply at the emergency control valve (next to your gas meter or on the gas cylinder);
• Extinguish all naked flames and cigarettes;
• DO NOT use naked flames or smoke;
• DO NOT use any electrical appliances or turn electrical switches on OR off;
• DO NOT use the doorbell;
• DO NOT message Island Energy via their website or e-mail about an emergency. Call immediately on 01534 755 555.