20 December 2006 00:00 Keeping your lights twinkling and your turkey cooking as Central Networks staff keep region’s electricity flowing throughout Christmas

As you open up your presents on Christmas Day spare a thought for the Central Networks staff who will be working as usual to ensure that customers across the Midlands can enjoy the festive season.

A full team of engineers and call centre staff will be carrying out their normal duties while also doing their best to try and bring some festive spirit into their working day by treating themselves to the odd mince pie and turkey sandwich.

Customer Operations Manager Phil Wilson said: “Obviously, we can’t close for Christmas. Central Networks distributes power to its customers 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, all year round, so there will be staff available if required.

“We certainly hope that there won’t be any problems and I’m sure that everyone will be able to have a fantastic Christmas Day.”

Central Networks delivers a reliable electricity supply to 4.9 million customers across central England and manages enough overhead and underground cable to go around the world nearly four times.

Phil Said: “I’m sure that our call centre staff and engineers will have a quiet day but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.”

Ends

Notes to editors:
• Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.9 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.

For further information and pictures contact:
Rebecca Middleton on 02476 183677
Out of hours, call 024 7642 4000 and ask for the duty press office