24 June 2008 12:47 We want your bright ideas: Central Networks gives power to the people on future energy plans

Tackling climate change, preparing for sudden weather emergencies or just keeping the lights on, Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, is looking for people's views as it shapes the power network for the future.

"Whether it's doing our bit to fight climate change or coping with changes in the way electricity is generated, your ideas will help us change energy," said Graeme Thompson, Finance Director at Central Networks.

"We need to understand more about what's important to our customers in the service we provide, how we can improve it and what people think our priorities for investment should be."

The company wants customers to complete a series of questions on its website, www.eon-uk.com/distribution/stakeholderengagement on the principles behind its plans.

Central Networks brings power to 4.9 million customers over 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 company, part of E.ON, hopes customer feedback will help shape its work in the future while gauging whether customers are willing to pay a little extra for measures such as environmental upgrades.

A number of measures could add £9 a year to a domestic bill but would improve the efficiency, reliability and environmental impact of the network.

For example, investing in the replacement of oil filled cables to help protect the environment could add between 50p and £1.55 to average household bills, while undergrounding selected overhead lines in areas of outstanding natural beauty could see a rise of between 5p and 15p.

Central Networks' distribution charges remain among the lowest in the UK - at about £60 per year for an average customer. The distribution charge forms a relatively small part of domestic power bills - Ofgem figures say that distribution makes up around 17% of the average electricity bill.

Ends

Notes to editors:

• Central Networks brings power to 4.9 million customers across central England 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 more information contact:

Andrew Barrow on 02476 183 677

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