Central Networks Press Releases

National Customer Service Awards provide golden moment for Central Networks

VictoriaBlake — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:39:00 GMT

E.ON Central Networks, which distributes electricity to 10 million people across central England, has been crowned winners at the prestigious Institute of Customer Service Awards collecting the "Customer Satisfaction Innovation of the Year" award.

The scale of their achievement can be measured by the number of household names and famous brands they shared the stage with on the night that included firms such as John Lewis, Waitrose, Homebase, Boots and LV.

As well as being named as winners, Central Networks was also shortlisted as finalists in a further two categories, which is a major achievement as the organisers received hundreds of entries in each category.

Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager, was delighted to pick up the trophy at the ceremony in London, having also been personally highly commended in the "Customer Service Leadership Award."

"Whilst the recognition is something we should be tremendously proud of, the most important thing is that our customers are telling us it makes a big difference.

"Our challenge is to now take this a step further, building on this successful platform. With our continued focus on getting regular information updates from everyone involved in restoring customer supplies, including our field colleagues, it is a great place to be for our customers, with everyone playing their part in delivering an excellent service," he said.

Central Networks was also recognised for their innovative ways in which they communicate with their customers. They offer a range of methods to allow customers to get in touch and access the very latest information during a power cut. Customers can call, text, and exchange emails in real time. They can also access live network information online and via their mobile phones.

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Notes to editors:

Central Networks, provides a reliable supply to around 10 million people in central England through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables - enough to go round the Earth more than three times - and via almost 94,000 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 contact:

Scott Somerville 02476 183 679

Central Networks rolls out SmartWater to beat copper thieves

VictoriaBlake — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:23:00 GMT

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, is issuing a warning to copper thieves as it rolls SmartWater out across its network.

With copper theft on the increase, Central Networks has signed a five year deal with SmartWater, which will see its equipment coated in a unique forensic fluid to help police track theft. SmartWater traps, designed to cover thieves with the invisible liquid, will also be planted in key areas in order to place offenders at the scene of the crime.

During 2010, the company experienced around 850 incidents of metal theft from the network, which resulted in repair costs of over £1 million. And incidents this year have already doubled those seen during January and February of last year.

Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager at Central Networks, said: "Copper theft has become all too a common a problem and this move shows just how serious we are about protecting our network.

"Apart from the risk of injury or even death, thieves could find themselves and their tools coated in a substance which is traceable if they try and steal from our network.

"By doing everything we can to deter thieves, our field teams will be able to spend less time repairing the damage and concentrate on making an excellent service even better for our millions of customers.

"Hopefully this deterrent will make thieves think twice about risking their life for the sake of scrap metal as, chances are, they're going to get caught."

Central Networks is rolling out SmartWater technology across central England to it substations and equipment. The fluid, which is only visible under ultraviolet light, contains a forensic code unique to each Central Networks substation.

Anyone who has information about vandalism to or theft of Central Networks property is encouraged to call police or CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Ends

Notes to editors:

Central Networks, provides a reliable supply to around 10 million people in central England through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables - enough to go round the Earth more than three times - and via almost 94,000 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 contact:

Victoria Blake 02476 181 304

Central Networks hopes for Ospreys return to Rutland this spring

VictoriaBlake — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:19:00 GMT

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, is hoping Ospreys will return to Rutland Water again this spring after staff gave their support to build nests last autumn.

In recent years Central Networks has donated electricity poles to the Osprey Project, run by Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and Anglian Water, and staff have put aside time to help build manmade nests, which are attached to top of the poles to encourage the birds to return to the UK.

Tim Mackrill, Project Manager at the Rutland Osprey Project, said: "In areas where there are no suitable trees, electricity poles can provide excellent alternatives and we're extremely grateful for the work carried out by Central Networks.

"One such nest, using poles donated by Central Networks was occupied by a pair of Ospreys on the Lyndon Nature Reserve last summer, with three chicks fledging successfully. Typically Ospreys will return in late March and many occupy the same next for up to 20 years, so we're very excited at the prospect of more birds returning this spring."

Ospreys are large migratory, fish-eating birds of prey and were once a common sight throughout the UK until they became extinct in England in 1847 from human persecution, however after an absence of 150 years, with the introduction of the Osprey Project, they began breeding in Rutland in 2001.

For more information on the Osprey Project, visit http://www.osprey.org.uk/.

Ends

Notes to editors:

Central Networks, provides a reliable supply to around 10 million people in central England through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables - enough to go round the Earth more than three times - and via almost 94,000 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 contact:

Victoria Blake 02476 181 304

Central Networks issues safety warning after power cut reveals hacksaw attack in Lincolnshire

VictoriaBlake — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:05:00 GMT

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, has issued a safety warning after a live underground cable was attacked with a hacksaw last week.

The hacksaw was found lodged in a high voltage cable which crosses the Old Railway Bridge on Cowbit Road in Spalding. The attack happened just after 7:45pm on Friday evening and caused a power cut to over 4,500 properties, some of which lost power for two and a half hours while engineers worked to restore supplies and make the area safe.

Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager for Central Networks, said: "The sheer stupidity of cutting through live power cables is glaringly obvious, and anyone who tampers with our electricity network risks both life and limb.

"Whoever did this could quite easily have died; luckily in this case there was no report of injury. Attacks of this kind are just plain stupid and I can't stress enough that they're really not worth the risk."

This attack occurred less than a week after a similar incident in North Clifton near Newark when vandals risked their lives to steal 400 meters of copper cabling.

The incident is being investigated by local police. Anyone who has information about vandalism to or theft of Central Networks property is encouraged to call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

Ends

Notes to editors:

Central Networks brings power to around 10 million people in central England through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 94,000 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.
Crimestoppers is the only charity dedicated to solving crimes and taking criminals off the streets. Around 17 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers. One person is charged with murder every five days, as a result of information given to Crimestoppers.

For further information contact:

Victoria Blake on 02476 181 304

Central Networks volunteers transform Nottinghamshire school garden

VictoriaBlake — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:01:00 GMT

A group of enthusiastic Central Networks volunteers recently spent a day transforming the garden area at Milford Primary School in Clifton, Nottingham.

The 21-strong team cleared an unused area of shrubs and fir trees. They built and painted a trellis, together with planters, to brighten up the garden. An allotment area was cleared and dug, and an eco area created to be used as any educational outdoor area for the pupils.

The volunteers also created a herb garden and built a raised bed for the children to use and learn how to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

Suzanne Dodsley, Project Leader for the Central Networks team, said: "It was a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding day. It was great for the team to work together away from the office and to achieve something which the children will hopefully enjoy and learn from."

The challenge was organised in association with Nottinghamshire Cares, which is part of Business in the Community, and links voluntary organisations that need support, to companies interested in engaging their employees in volunteering.

E.ON finds volunteering opportunities for employees across the UK, working with schools, older people and other vulnerable groups as part of its wider community relations programme. In 2010, E.ON employees spent almost 7,000 hours volunteering in their local communities.

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Notes to editors:

E.ON is one of the UK's leading power and gas companies - generating and distributing electricity, and retailing power and gas - and is part of the E.ON group, one of the world's largest investor-owned power and gas companies. We employ around 15,000 people in the UK and over 88,000 worldwide;
Nottinghamshire Cares is part of a national campaign co-ordinated by Business in the Community and supported by local public, private and voluntary sector partners. Funded by business, it forges links between voluntary organisations that need support, and companies that are keen to get involved in the community by engaging their employees in volunteering. More information can be found at http://www.bitc.org.uk/.

For more information contact:

Victoria Blake at E.ON on 02476 181304

Helicopter patrols use thermal imaging to check electricity substations

VictoriaBlake — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 13:36:00 GMT

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, begins its annual helicopter patrols across the county next week as part of its work to inspect some of its 750 primary substations across the Midlands.

A helicopter fitted with thermal imaging equipment will be used to spot potential hazards and identify where future work may be needed in electricity substations across the region.

The specialist cameras show a glowing bright light when there are high levels of heat between connections, joints or any other positions, allowing engineers to prioritise repair works at ‘hot spots'.

Jim O'Sullivan, Director of Infrastructure Services at Central Networks, said: "The thermal imaging patrols help us carry out essential work by spotting potential problems before they develop and affect the electricity supply to our many customers.

"Using a helicopter is the fastest and safest way to carry out these checks across large sections of our network and also allow us to plan our maintenance work more effectively.

The patrols are scheduled to run across the region during the next two weeks. The exact timings and routes will depend on weather conditions.

Lincolnshire Monday 31st to January to Wednesday 2nd February
Leicestershire and Northamptonshire Thursday 3rd to Friday 4th February
Warwickshire Saturday 5th to Monday 7th February
Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Tuesday 8th to Friday 11th February

Ends

Notes to editors:

Central Networks brings power to 9.4 million people across central England through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 94,000 substations;
Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Boarders to the Lincolnshire Coast.

For further information contact:

Victoria Blake on 02476 181 304

Reward offered to catch Lincolnshire copper thieves after 400 metres of overhead wire stolen

VictoriaBlake — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:57:00 GMT

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, is offering a reward of £1,000 for information leading to the prosecution of Lincolnshire thieves who put their lives in danger to steal copper cabling.

Earlier this week, on Mill Lane in North Clifton near Newark, vandals brought down overhead lines and stole 400 meters of copper cabling.

The incident happened just after midnight on Tuesday morning and caused four nearby properties to experience a power cut for over 16 hours while engineers worked to replace the cabling and make the area safe.

Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager with Central Networks, said: "Copper theft such as this is becoming all too common a trend and, whatever the financial reward, it really isn't worth risking your life.

"This kind of vandalism not only cause a huge inconvenience to those who may suffer power cuts because of this action, but, by ignoring safety warnings, thieves risk being seriously injured or, worse still, killed.

"We urge anyone with any information regarding this attack to get in touch with the Police or Crimestoppers, so those responsible can be brought to justice."

Individuals who wish to provide information about who is committing these crimes can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Ends

Notes to editors:

Central Networks brings power to around 10 million people in central England through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 94,000 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.
Crimestoppers is the only charity dedicated to solving crimes and taking criminals off the streets. Around 17 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers. One person is charged with murder every five days, as a result of information given to Crimestoppers.

For further information contact:

Victoria Blake on 02476 181304

Farmers warned of danger after machinery comes into contact with power lines in Northamptonshire

VictoriaBlake — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:26:00 GMT

A farm worker had a lucky escape after part of the machinery he was operating came into contact with overhead power lines on farmland in Wellingborough on Monday.

It is thought the vehicle, which had its boom arms raised, came into contact with live 11,000 volt lines, which were low hanging due to previous unreported farm damage in the Sidegate Lane area.

Damage to the overhead lines was discovered after the network faulted, causing a power cut for around two hours to 387 nearby customers.

Phil Wilson, Central Networks' Customer Operations Manager, said: "It's crucial that people are aware of the potential dangers posed by overhead lines and take care around them. Farm machinery and power lines can be a dangerous combination and the operator had a lucky escape on this occasion.

"You don't need to come into direct contact with a power line to risk injury or even death, and we recommend that farm workers take the utmost care and even contact us in advance so we can ensure their equipment can be safely used."

No injuries were sustained through this incident, but the farm worker operating the machine was advised to seek medical advice.

Central Networks produces a leaflet with advice for farming safety which can be downloaded from http://eon-uk.com/distribution/farming.

Ends

Notes to editors:

Central Networks brings power to around 10 million people 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 further information contact:

Victoria Blake on 02476 181304

Nottingham substation investigation reveals vandals to blame

RebeccaMara — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 09:57:00 GMT

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, has revealed that its investigators now believe that vandals were to blame for an explosion at a Nottingham substation that caused thousands of pounds of damage and the loss of supply to over 1,000 customers.

Some local people had to be evacuated after the explosion at the substation in Papplewick, near Hucknall, and a joint investigation with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has revealed that the substation was broken into and vital safety equipment damaged, causing the explosion and loss of supply to local residents.

Phil Wilson, Central Networks' Customer Operations Manager, said: "This was an entirely irresponsible act, risking not only the vandals' own lives but also those of the engineers and fire service who responded to the emergency calls.

"These people are reckless and simply don't consider the potential consequences of their actions. We keep our substations fenced off and locked up for good reason."

Engineers isolated the supply to 1,182 customers for safety reasons, with the majority back on within 90 minutes. A further 76 remained without power until the following evening while vital safety checks were carried out in all homes and businesses within the affected area.

"Those involved in this incident put themselves in serious danger of electrocution," said Station Manager Craig Dooley, who heads the Arson Task Force at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service. "People can think they are safe but electricity can jump or arc and we have seen instances in the past where people have been in the process of stealing things from substations and have ended up losing limbs because of the high voltage of electricity involved. This is a very serious incident and the culprits need to be found."

Anyone who has information about the vandalism to Central Networks property is encouraged to contact police or call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Central Networks is offering a £5,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.

Ends

Notes to editors:

Central Networks, provides a reliable supply to around 10 million people in central England through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables - enough to go round the Earth more than three times - and via almost 94,000 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 contact:

Rebecca Mara 02476 183 679

Central Networks volunteers create outdoor learning area for Leicestershire children

VictoriaBlake — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 12:11:00 GMT

A group of willing Central Networks volunteers recently spent a day creating an outdoor education area at Kegworth Primary School.

The 11-strong team from Central Networks' offices in Castle Donington cleared an unused orchard area at the rear of the school and cut back trees and bushes to make a safe environment for the children.

The volunteers also cleared the overgrown courtyard garden situated in the heart of the school and planted new bushes and a pear tree to create an educational area. In addition they tidied a planter in the infant playground, re-planting it with heathers and winter-flowering plants to cheer up the area during winter.

Sarah Thorpe, Project Leader for the Central Networks team, said: "The team all worked flat-out and very efficiently, and I think everyone enjoyed the day. The feedback from the school has been really great as the children now have more places to play and learn safely."

Louise Norris, Headteacher at Kegworth Primary School, said: "We're so grateful to the team from Central Networks for their hard work in helping us to develop our learning environment.

"The outdoor learning area and the nature garden are fantastic places for the children to learn outside their normal classroom. All ages enjoy opportunities to explore and discover in the two areas and the school appreciates the work of the team in helping us to renew these spaces."

Ends

Notes to editors:

E.ON is one of the UK's leading power and gas companies - generating and distributing electricity, and retailing power and gas - and is part of the E.ON group, one of the world's largest investor-owned power and gas companies. We employ around 15,000 people in the UK and over 88,000 worldwide;

For more information contact:

Victoria Blake at E.ON on 02476 181304

Harey, the hare-brained rabbit, helps educate children about the dangers of electricity

VictoriaBlake — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:39:00 GMT

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, has joined forces with DangerSpot Books author Hedley Griffin to produce a picture book which helps educate children about the dangers of electricity in and outside the home.

The picture book entitled ‘A Nasty Shock' depicts the tale of Harey, the hare-brained rabbit and his friends who learn about the potential hazards of electricity.

As part of its Safety Education Programme, Central Networks will be donating a copy of the book, which is aimed at year one pupils, to primary schools across the East and West Midlands

The story illustrates how Harey, gets a ‘nasty' shock when using a knife to retrieve toast from the toaster and when plugging in the kettle with wet hands. He also learns the dangers of playing near substations.

Anita Mellor, Public Safety Manager at Central Networks, said: "We were delighted to support DangerSpot Books in the writing of this story, which will help young minds understand the dangers of electricity and how to stay safe.

"This amusing story is a great way to entertain children while promoting an important safety message. We hope primary schools will welcome this new addition to their libraries."

Author, Hedley Griffin, said: "It was a delight and a pleasure working with Central Networks, who were very helpful in their suggestions on the script. I hope this book goes a little way to help prevent electrical injuries to children and perhaps act as a good reminder to parents and teachers as they read the book to their children."

For more information on DangerSpot Books visit http://www.dangerspot.co.uk/

Ends

Notes to editors:

Central Networks, provides a reliable supply to around 10 million people in central England through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables - enough to go round the Earth more than three times - and via almost 94,000 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 DangerSpot picture book series illustrates a whole range of potential dangers which could pose a threat to children including electricity, fire hazards and road safety. They follow the antics of Harey the hare-brained rabbit, who is always rushing around, having accidents;
The author, Hedley Griffin who having spent 30 years as an animation director, working for BBC and Channel 4 Schools Television, now self-publishes his own children's books on child safety.

For further information contact:

Victoria Blake 02476 181 304

Central Networks heads sky high to check Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire power lines

VictoriaBlake — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 12:10:00 GMT

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, is carrying out a series of fly-by inspections of overhead power lines across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Jim O'Sullivan, Director of Infrastructure Services at Central Networks, said: "Our engineers will be inspecting thousands of electricity poles and miles of power lines to spot any potential hazards to our network. Using a helicopter is the quickest and safest way we can carry out this important work.

"The inspections will help us plan our investment and maintenance work more effectively and ensure the reliability of the network."

Patrols will run throughout December, depending on weather conditions.

The overhead checks follow summer inspections of Central Networks' largest electricity towers and higher voltage sections of the overhead network.

Ends

Notes to editors:

Central Networks provides a reliable supply to 10 million people in central England through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables - enough to go round the Earth more than three times - and via almost 94,000 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 contact:

Victoria Blake on 02476 181 304

Reward increased to £10,000 to catch dangerous copper thieves

VictoriaBlake — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 13:52:00 GMT

Vandals have been dicing with death by climbing high voltage pylons in Gloucestershire to steal over 9km of Central Networks cable.

Following seven attacks in the last two months, Central Networks has upped its reward for information leading to the conviction of anyone responsible for the attacks to £10,000.

Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager for Central Networks, said: "This is a new one to us - we've had people using chainsaws to cut through wooden poles and breaking into substations but climbing high into the sky to take cabling with 33,000 volts going through it is just plain daft.

Even if you ignore the fact that they're putting their own lives at risk, they're also causing inconvenience to thousands of customers, costing us money and producing dangerous working conditions for our engineers.

"We're working closely with the Police and Crimestoppers to ensure these criminals can be brought to justice, which is why we we've made the decision to increase the reward."

DS Alex Casling, of Stroud CID, said: "Thieves are risking their lives as well as disrupting the power supply to households in this area of the county.

"People rely on a sound electricity network and that right is being jeopardised by these offenders. For the good of everyone in Gloucestershire, please call us if you have any information.

"I also want the public to know that progress is being made thanks to our partnership with Central Networks. Three people have been arrested and bailed in relation to the theft of 7km of cable from a farm in Fromebridge in September."

The reward of £10,000 is on offer for information leading to a conviction relating to the attacks on pylons including:

In Fromebridge vandals targeted a circuit of five pylons carrying 33,000 volts and stripped 7km of copper cabling leaving the remaining overhead line hanging dangerously from the tower.
In Frampton thieves brought down 400 meters of cabling running across Frampton Youth Football Club, causing 357 customers to experience an interruption in their power supply. In a separate incident a further 600 meters was stolen from a temporarily disabled circuit. The area was again targeted for the third time this weekend (November 6-7).
In Purlieu, Lydney 1400 meters of copper earth wire was taken from the top of dual circuit pylons. A further theft of a span of overhead cabling was discovered by patrols.

Anyone with information about any of these cases is urged to contact Gloucestershire police on 0845 090 1234 or call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

Ends

Notes to editors:

Central Networks provides a reliable supply to 10 million people in central England through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables - enough to go round the Earth more than three times - and via almost 94,000 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 contact:

Victoria Blake 02476 181304

Central Networks heads sky high to check Leicestershire and Northants power lines

VictoriaBlake — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:06:00 GMT

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, is carrying out a series of fly-by inspections of overhead power lines across Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.

"The inspections will help us plan our investment and maintenance work more effectively and ensure the reliability of the network."

Patrols will run throughout November, depending on weather conditions. Once complete the helicopter patrols will move onto other parts of the Central Networks region.

The overhead checks follow summer inspections of Central Networks' largest electricity towers and higher voltage sections of the overhead network.

Ends

Notes to editors:

Central Networks provides a reliable supply to 10 million people in central England through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables - enough to go round the Earth more than three times - and via almost 94,000 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 contact:

Victoria Blake on 02476 181 304

Central Networks seeks out hot spots on the electricity network across the West Midlands

AlishaAllen — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 10:18:00 GMT

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, is running a series of eye-in-the-sky helicopter patrols as part of its work to inspect hundreds of substations and towers across Staffordshire, the West Midlands, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.

A helicopter fitted with thermal imaging equipment will be used to spot potential hazards and to identify where future work may be needed in electricity substations and on pylons across the region.

The specialist cameras show a glowing bright light when there are high levels of heat between connections, joints or any other positions, allowing engineers to prioritise those ‘hot spots' for repair works.

Jim O'Sullivan, Director of Infrastructure Services at Central Networks, said: "Using a helicopter is the easiest and fastest way to carry out checks on large sections of the network.

"We're responsible for around 750 primary and grid substations across central England and this is vital work. It helps us spot potential problems before they develop and that means we can plan our investment and maintenance work more effectively.

"Once we get the information back from the helicopter we can make sure we can get out there and do the necessary work before it begins to cause problems for our customers."

The patrols will inspect hundreds of substations and pylons across the network from Monday, 18^th October, starting in Staffordshire and the West Midlands, before heading south to cover Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. The inspections are expected to take three weeks, weather permitting.

Ends

Notes to editors:

Central Networks brings power to 10 million people across central England through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 94,000 substations;
Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Boarders to the Lincolnshire Coast.

For further information contact:

Alisha Allen on 02476 192 063

Victoria Blake on 02476 181 304

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.

B-roll of previous helicopter flights is available to download in broadcast quality by registering on the Media section of the eon-uk.com website