A lack of rainfall last year meant a drop in the amount of ’green energy’ from the hydro-electric plant at Sulby Reservoir.

In 2015/16, the plant produced 4,213.5 Megawatt hours, but that fell to 2,889.5 MWh in 2016/17.

In a written answer to a Tynwald question tabled by David Ashford (Douglas North), Manx Utilities Authority chairman Dr Alex Allinson said: ’The differential in the figures for each year is solely due to rainfall or lack thereof, and no maintenance outages were involved.’

He added: ’Sulby reservoir is the only reservoir which utilises a hydroelectric facility.

’Several commercial customers are signed up to Manx Utilities’ Green Tariff, which helps to support free domestic customer advice on energy efficiency in the home.’