JEC: The Big Upgrade

Jersey Electricity (JEC) is digging up roads and replacing cables as part of its largest-ever infrastructure upgrade—called the “Big Upgrade”—to future-proof the island’s electricity network and support Jersey’s transition to net zero.

What's Driving the Roadworks and Cable Replacement?

£120 Million Investment Over 5 Years

JEC is investing heavily to expand and modernize the electricity network, ensuring it can handle a projected 25% increase in peak demand as Jersey moves toward an all-electric future.

Support for Carbon Neutral Roadmap (CNR)

The upgrades are essential to meet the government’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050, including enabling 20,000 customers to switch from fossil fuel heating to electric systems.

Doubling Annual Cable Laying

 
JEC typically lays around 7 km of cables per year, but this will more than double under the Big Upgrade to increase capacity and replace aging infrastructure.

Smart Planning with Digital Tools

 
Using smart meter data and a digital twin of the island’s grid, JEC can pinpoint areas of high demand or weak capacity and schedule works accordingly.

Local Examples of Works
In places like Trinity, roads are being excavated to overlay high-voltage (HV) and low-voltage (LV) cables and replace substations to support industrial expansion. See roadworks.gov.je.

What It Means for Islanders

Visible Disruption

 
Expect road closures, diversions, and delays—especially in areas like St Helier, Trinity, and St Peter—as JEC and its contractors carry out these essential works.

Long-Term Benefits

While disruptive now, the upgrades will ensure reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity for homes and businesses across Jersey.