29 Sep 2021

North West Net zero Human interest

Future plans for North West revealed

The regions stakeholders are being given the opportunity to hear about major investments being made throughout the region.

Electricity North West, which operates the region’s power network, will host its annual Regional Stakeholder Advisory workshops in early October.

Attendees will hear about millions of pounds worth of investment and recent performance improvements to the network.

Not only that, they will also hear key updates on how Electricity North West is getting the network ready to support the one million electric vehicles predicted to be driving around the North West by 2030 and collaboration with the regional authorities to support economic development and maximise opportunities.

Helen Norris, Electricity North West’s stakeholder engagement manager, said: “As a region we’re reducing our carbon output to meet regional and national net zero carbon targets to tackle the climate crisis. We’re becoming more reliant on renewable electricity for things like heating and transport, rather than fossil fuels like oil and gas.

“Each year, it becomes even more essential that we invest and maintain a reliable electricity network to help make it happen and support the ambition and prosperity of the region.

“We want to make sure what we do is fair and affordable to all of our customers and that’s why we want to hear from as many people as possible at our open annual events. We are at a critical point of our future plans and we’ll take opinions on board and allow local businesses and organisations to help shape the future of the North West.”

A major talking point at the online annual events will be Electricity North West’s draft business plan.

The plan, which will be submitted in December to Ofgem, sets out how Electricity North West plans to invest £2bn from 2023-2028.

 “This year has been crucial for our business as we’ve set out our future business plan based on the views of those in the region” Norris added.

“The events will allow business leaders, customer groups, charitable organisations, local government and other stakeholders the chance to continue to have their say and influence our plan before its final submission in December.”

The online events for Cumbria and Lancashire will take place from 10am until 12:30pm. The Greater Manchester event will start at 1:30pm and finish at 4pm. To register, see below:

  • Cumbria – Monday October 4th – register here.
  • Lancashire – Friday October 8th – register here.
  • Greater Manchester – Thursday October 14th – register here.

To find out more, visit www.enwl.co.uk/businessplan.

Notes to editors

Editors Notes:

  • Electricity North West is the electricity distribution network operator for Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria, as well as parts of North Cheshire and Derbyshire.
  • Our key workers maintain the region’s vast network of underground cables and overhead power lines, keeping us all connected to the grid.
  • Net zero: Our ‘Leading the North West to net zero’ plan sets out how we’re decarbonising our own operations and investing in the network to help the rest of the region decarbonise too.
  • Business Plan: In July 2021 we submitted a £2bn investment plan to energy regulator Ofgem for 2023-2028. See more at www.enwl.co.uk/businessplan.
  • Social: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. During a power cut or other emergency, check for updates online or call us on 105.

Interviews with Electricity North West spokespeople are also available on request from the Press Office.

For further press information, please contact: Oliver Smith or Jonny Morgan on 0844 209 1957 or email PressOffice@enwl.co.uk