08 November 2005 00:00 Central Networks spends £1m to ‘future proof’ Worcestershire electricity network

When demand for electricity grew in Worcestershire, Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, got to work on upgrading one its major substations in Tenbury Wells.

The project, which started in March, has seen a £1m upgrade to the electricity network which, when complete, will ensure an already reliable supply is reinforced for the future.

Central Networks Contract Delivery Manager Peter Mundy said: “Simply put, Worcestershire’s thriving – new houses and businesses are being built all the time and existing factories are asking us for more power so this investment was vital to ensure our network remains reliable and robust.

“We’ve upgraded the substation by installing state-of-the-art kit, replacing electricity cable and by fitting a new control system.

“It’s a major project for Central Networks and once completed at the end of next month will strengthen the supply to thousands of customers in Tenbury Wells and other parts of Worcestershire.”

In addition to the upgrade of the substation, Central Networks has also been busy putting some of its overhead cables underground to improve the visual impact of its network.

In partnership with a local developer, the work, which started this summer and will end later this year, will also benefit the organisers of the Tenbury Show in Burford.

Peter said: “We’re committed to ensuring our customers receive a reliable service from Central Networks and this project will help with that as Worcestershire continues to develop.”

Ends

Notes to editors:
•Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity;
•The company brings power to 4.8 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 97,000 substations;
•Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast
•The Tenbury Wells project is part of a £1.2bn investment programme Central Networks is delivering across central England over the next five years.

For further information contact:
Rebecca Middleton on 024 7642 5779
A selection of Central Networks pictures is available free of charge to the media by registering at www.newscast.co.uk and looking under Distribution.