Electricity North West is a champion of the Northern Powerhouse and believes an innovative and flexible energy system is the key to its success.

The region’s power network operator, which keeps the lights on for five million people across the North West, has recently sponsored a report by the Northern Energy Taskforce on the future of energy in the North and also responded to the Government’s call for evidence to help inform the Northern Powerhouse Strategy.

The sponsored report, ‘Leading, adopting or drifting - where next for the Northern energy sector?’, was launched by the Institute for Public Policy Research at Parliament last week and it explores three possible 'energy futures' and also argues the need for a Northern Energy Strategy.

In response to the Government’s call for evidence the power operator has urged that a flexible and community-led approach, innovation, adaptable policies and also investment is needed to keep the lights on and drive the Northern Powerhouse.

Electricity North West argues that the region is undergoing a transition from apredominantly manufacturing-based economy to one based primarily on the service sector and a secure and reliable electricity supply is the key enabler.

Paul Bircham, commercial strategy and support director for Electricity North West, said: “Energy has a crucial role to play in the success of the Northern Powerhouse which is why we took the opportunity to respond to the Government’s call for evidence.

“Our customers have told us that to ensure homes and businesses thrive now and in the future a reliable, flexible and affordable energy system must be in place.

“We’re champions of the North West and we’re proud that it’s our network that connects communities which is why we fully support the aspirations of the Northern Powerhouse.”