Central Networks Press Releases

Engineers forced to abandon work after airgun attack

AndrewBarrow — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:15:00 GMT

An engineer working for Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, was forced to abandon work to restore power to homes in Gloucester when he was shot with an airgun.

Luckily the engineer did not suffer any serious injury, but he was left with a cut neck after being hit by the air rifle pellet on Sunday morning.

A Central Networks team was working to restore power to 1,139 customers at about 9.30 on Sunday morning (May 4^th) after a fault on the overhead line in the Bixhead area of Gloucester.

More than 930 customers had their power supply restored before 10.30, when engineers were forced to abandon work for their own safety. The delay meant the remaining homes and businesses had power reconnected five hours later.

Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager with Central Networks, said:"We work day and night and in all weathers to keep people's lights on and keep their homes warm but when we're faced with something like this our engineers have to put their own safety first.

"I can't believe that anyone could be so stupid; not only could this person have left someone with very serious injuries, they also succeeded in prolonging a power cut for their neighbours.

"We can only apologise for the inconvenience to those people left without power and I hope they understand why we had to take the action we did."

A 24-year-old local man was later given a caution for assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

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 further information contact:

Andrew Barrow on 024 7618 3677

Child cable vandals in Notts still ignoring safety messages, warns Central Networks

AndrewBarrow — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:12:00 GMT

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, is repeating urgent safety messages after children were again seen throwing leaves and tree branches into high-voltage power lines in Nottinghamshire.

Thousands of people had their electricity cut off by the tiny terrors throwing objects over the power lines in Warsop.

Engineers managed to restore power to the 2,363 customers affected an hour later, but police and the Fire Service were inundated with reports of explosions and fire from local residents who had seen the fault.

Just last week children in Warsop were twice seen by neighbours throwing tree branches across the 33,000 volt power lines.

Central Networks has now written to homes in the area advising them of the problem and asking them to keep a look out for future incidents.

It already takes its electricity safety teaching vehicles, the Power Discovery Zone, into schools to teach children about the dangers posed by electricity, but some are still unaware of the dangers of playing near power lines.

The company is now contacting local schools to arrange special assemblies in the area to drive home the dangers of playing with electricity.

As well as the inconvenience to customers, the vandals were playing with high voltage power cables which could have caused truly terrifying - and life-threatening - short circuits.

Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager with Central Networks, said: "The message is simple - power lines can kill, stay away from them.

"High voltage electricity can discharge from the cables when objects come into contact or even come near them. That power can travel and could leave someone nearby with serious burns."

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.
The Power Discovery Zone website (www.powerdiscoveryzone.com) is designed to support the Central Networks Power Discovery Truck which is a free resource that visits local schools to teach pupils about electricity and electrical safety.
Teachers who would like the truck to visit their school should go to www.powerdiscoveryzone.com and follow the directions in the Teacher's Zone.

For further information contact:

Andrew Barrow on 024 7618 3677

Powering the paramedics – Central Networks offers aid to Gloucester’s Ambulance crews

AndrewBarrow — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:08:00 GMT

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, is opening its Gloucester base to paramedics - improving response times for emergency patients and making life better for ambulance crews.

In a special trial, paramedics will be able to rest at the company's Gloucester base and use the Central Networks engineers' mess room.

Paramedics in the city often spend a great deal of their 12-hour shifts parked in a nearby lay-by so they are best placed to react quickly to emergencies and meet strict response targets for life-threatening incidents.

Lawrence Wall, Gloucester Delivery Centre Manager, said: "In many ways we are similar to the emergency services, in that we are providing a vital service to the Gloucestershire community. It's our job to keep the lights on and keep people's homes warm and we work 24 hours a day, seven days a week in all weathers to do that.

"We hope the agreement works well for both Central Networks and the Ambulance Service, and I would thank all the staff here at Gloucester for their help in getting it off the ground."

As well as parking more safely on site whilst waiting for emergency calls, the paramedics will be able to use mess room facilities. This will save them a 25 minute round trip back to their headquarters in Stavely - and ensure they're on hand to respond quicker to emergency calls in the area.

The idea grew from a conversation between Central Networks project manager Stuart Wilson and his wife Becky, herself an ambulance technician in Gloucester.

"These guys can sometimes spend hours on their own, in their vehicle. Having a depot in an ideal place where you have chance to have a coffee or use the toilet seemed a perfect solution for them."

Lindsay Perrin, Service Delivery manager for Great Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust added: "This co-operation will enable us to support crews and keep them refreshed and able to deal with their needs as well as the needs of patients."

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 further information contact:

Andrew Barrow on 024 7618 3677

Nature classes stimulate Ashby children, thanks to Central Networks

AndrewBarrow — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:28:00 GMT

Children at a Leicestershire primary school are about to start enjoying practical classes in nature thanks to a £2,500 grant from Central Networks.

Pre-school children at Worthington Primary School in Ashby were given the cash from the electricity distribution company's Safer Environment Fund to give the garden a face-lift so it can be used as an outdoor classroom.

School staff as well as parent volunteers will add the grant to money already raised to create an interactive play area with raised planting beds so children can create wildlife habitats and planting areas, as well as a large sandpit with water features and a protective sun awning.

Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager for Central Networks, part of E.ON, said: "The hands-on experience the children will have with the environment will be an invaluable addition to their studies.

"Hopefully our grant can give the younger children a safer and more enjoyable place to play."

The project is one of the winning applicants for the Safer Environment Fund from Central Networks, which makes money available for projects that demonstrate they will have a lasting and positive effect on the local environment.

"The project will result in the youngest children in the school being afforded the opportunity to learn about and experience nature and wildlife at first hand, through play," said Alison Read of Worthington Pre-School.

"The design will enable teaching sessions of both the pre-school and primary school to be undertaken outside, stimulating young minds through rewarding ‘fun' education."

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
A selection of Central Networks images are available free of charge to the media by registering at www.newscast.co.uk and looking under Distribution

Shropshire school safety starts from the ground up, thanks to Central Networks

AndrewBarrow — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:27:00 GMT

Young children at a Shropshire primary school are about to stay safe and play safe thanks to a bump-er £2,500 grant from Central Networks.

The Parent Teacher Association at St John's Primary School in Bridgnorth has been given the money from the electricity distribution company's Safer Environment Fund to give the school grounds a face-lift and improve it for vulnerable pupils.

School volunteers have already raised £4,500, with Central Networks stepping in with the rest to allow work to go ahead this month.

New flooring will be laid and fenced off to give younger pupils - some with special needs - a separate area to play away from the bigger children, cutting down on accidents from children bumping into one another.

"Whether we are helping to improve school playing surfaces or warning children of the dangers of electricity, one of the main things we think about is public safety," said Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager for Central Networks.

"We're delighted to be involved in this project as it'll not only improve the look of the school grounds but will also make playtimes a lot safer for the younger and more vulnerable children."

The project is one of the winning applicants for the Safer Environment Fund from Central Networks, part of E.ON, which makes money available for projects that demonstrate they will have a lasting and positive effect on the local environment.

Catherine Connery, chairman of the PTA at St John's, said: "The dedicated area for the younger children will mean so much; they will be able to have space to extend their play activities.

"Having an attractive area to play in that is clean and safe is vital for this age group. It will provide a particularly safe flooring area for some of our most vulnerable children.

"We're all absolutely thrilled by this donation, what a difference it will make."

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

Putting lives on the line: Notts cable vandals lucky to escape unhurt, warns Central Networks

AndrewBarrow — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:32:00 GMT

Bicycle handlebars and candlestick thrown into power lines
Children seen throwing branches over high-voltage network

Three vandal attacks in a matter of days on Nottinghamshire power cables left thousands of people without electricity and could have caused serious injury or death, according to Central Networks.

The first attack was near Clay Lane in Newark, where engineers discovered that someone had thrown a set of bicycle handlebars and a candlestick holder into 11,000 volt overhead lines.

More than 2,100 homes and businesses lost power for 90 minutes as engineers worked to make the lines safe again.

Then children in Thoresby-Warsop were seen by neighbours throwing tree branches across the 33kv power lines. They were later chased off by Central Networks engineers who spotted them attacking a transformer connected to the 11,000 volt network.

And, in the latest incident, almost 900 customers lost power in the same area on Monday of this week, when sticks were thrown at the overhead line.

As well as the inconvenience to customers, the vandals targeted high voltage power cables which could have caused truly terrifying - and life-threatening - short circuits.

Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager with Central Networks, said: "Whether these incidents were childish, schoolboy pranks or something more sinister, such as somebody trying to steal the cabling, we don't know but it was clearly a hugely dangerous thing to do.

"The message is simple - power lines can kill, stay away from them.

"High voltage electricity can discharge from the cables when objects come into contact or even come near them. That power can travel and could leave someone nearby with serious burns."

The reckless - and potentially deadly - actions of thieves targeting power lines and substations have already led to two deaths, a number of serious injuries and more than 50,000 customers temporarily losing their electricity.

Central Networks, which supplies power to 4.9 million customers from Lincolnshire to the Welsh borders, works closely with the charity Crimestoppers, which is offering a £1,000 reward for information leading to the successful prosecution and conviction of those responsible.

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 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 Boarders 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;
Crimestoppers also runs the Most Wanted website www.mostwanted-uk.org where people can give information about suspected criminals anonymously online;
Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has had over 850,000 calls. There have been over 75,000 arrests, over £95m property has been recovered and over £130m worth of drugs has been seized.

For further information contact:

Andrew Barrow on 024 7618 3677

Central Networks supports Police spot-checks for Staffordshire workers to tackle rise in copper thefts

AndrewBarrow — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:14:00 GMT

A spate of metal thefts in Staffordshire has meant Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for the county, has called in the police.

The local force will now be stopping and questioning people seen working on power lines or electricity cables in the county after there were almost a dozen incidents on the electricity network in March, where hundreds of metres of cable were cut from wooden poles, some in broad daylight.

In one incident, thieves ripped down power lines from poles just yards from a Stoke-on-Trent primary school. The four 200m lengths of copper cabling, which were powering street lighting, were taken from Norton Lane, Stoke-on-Trent, on the morning of Sunday 9^th March.

"Just because someone looks to have the right equipment for the job and is wearing the correct safety clothing, it doesn't necessarily mean they are working for the good of the public," said Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager with Central Networks

"Our job is to keep the power on and we welcome any move to stop these callous and greedy individuals who not only risk their own lives but show absolutely no thought for the distress caused to the people affected by the power cuts they cause."

Incidents in the last few weeks include:

A number of industrial units were left without power on the afternoon of Monday, 24^th March when ten separate sections of overhead lines were taken from the Queensway Industrial Estate on Longbridge Road, Stoke-on-Trent;
A total of 159 customers lost power when 1,400 metres of overhead power line was stolen from ten poles in the Forsbrook area of Stoke-on-Trent on Tuesday morning, March 18^th;
Engineers had to restore power to a further 93 customers after about 500 metres of copper cabling was pulled down in the Goldenhill area of Stoke on Monday morning, March 17^th;
On March 12^th, 33 homes were left without power from 3.30am when 650 metres of low-voltage cable was stolen from the overhead network on Ball Lane, Stoke;
Power lines suspended between three poles were taken from Armshead Road, Stoke, at lunchtime on March 11^th, leaving a further 40 customers without electricity for 12 hours;
In Monkhopton, Bridgnorth, four customers were cut off when thieves took 300 metres of cable in the early hours of February 13^th.

Staffordshire Police is investigating all incidents. Any witnesses, or if anybody has been offered metal for sale in suspicious circumstances, is asked to call 08453 30 20 10.

Chief Inspector Dave Mellor, crime manager for Stoke-on-Trent Division, said: "We are aware of the ongoing incidents and all officers have been briefed to monitor the area during their routine, high visibility activities.

"Officers will verify the identification of any person that they reasonably consider it necessary to challenge, but will always be mindful of safety."

The reckless - and potentially deadly - actions of thieves targeting power lines and electricity substations have already led to two fatalities, a number of serious injuries and more than 50,000 customers temporarily losing their electricity supply throughout the region.

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 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 Boarders 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;
Crimestoppers also runs the Most Wanted website www.mostwanted-uk.org where people can give information about suspected criminals anonymously online;
Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has had over 850,000 calls. There have been over 75,000 arrests, over £95m property has been recovered and over £130m worth of drugs has been seized.

For further information contact:
Andrew Barrow on 024 7618 3677

Central Networks helps Birmingham communities come together with new garden glory

AndrewBarrow — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:56:00 GMT

A £2,500 grant from Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, is helping to bring a Birmingham community closer together and to improve their environment.

Volunteers in the Soho area of the city are transforming a piece of derelict land into a community garden.

The grant comes from the Safer Environment Fund, distributed by Central Networks, a division of E.ON, to help bring people together from the city's various ethnic groups and to compensate for the lack of green space in what is a densely populated area.

Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager for Central Networks, said: "This grant lends more than a helping hand, it puts local access and the enjoyment of gardening in the hands of the community.

"This area of the city suffers from a lack of open spaces and we're delighted to be able to help make it a cleaner, greener and more inviting place."

Organisers hope the garden and seating area will bring together local schoolchildren and volunteers in a three month mission to improve their quality of life and care for their environment. Work is due to begin in April.

Mohan Lal Gaddu, Chairperson for the Matthew Boulton Neighbourhood Forum, said: "This is a great opportunity to enable people to actively learn about the environment and build strong local neighbourhoods, while creating safer, healthier and more environmentally sustainable communities.

"This project will encourage citizens to become active in their communities while empowering them to improve their quality of life and care for their environment.

"This community garden will have the additional outcome of reducing fear of crime, tackling antisocial behaviour and discouraging fly tipping."

The Safer Environment Fund makes money available for projects that demonstrate they will have a lasting and positive effect on the local environment.

Ends

Notes to editors:

Central Networks, provides a reliable supply to 4.9 customers in central England through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables - enough to go round the Earth more than four times - and via almost 97,000 substations;
The company 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

A selection of Central Networks images are available free of charge to the media by registering at www.newscast.co.uk and looking under Distribution

Shropshire village converts pond to learning resource thanks to Central Networks

AndrewBarrow — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:55:00 GMT

Volunteers from a Shropshire community group are celebrating after winning a grant from Central Networks to transform an overgrown pond into an environmental study centre for local children.

The company, part of E.ON, has donated £2,500 to the Wyldwoods Community and Trust project in Broseley to develop the pond and the surrounding area into an environmental habitat where children can study local wildlife and pondlife in safety.

The project is one of the winning applicants for Central Network's Safer Environment Fund, which makes money available for projects that demonstrate they will have a lasting and positive effect on the local environment.

Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager for Central Networks, said: "Many of the children visiting the pond have special needs and the barrier and jetty will make it a far safer area for everyone.

"The works will also make it more difficult for people to disturb the wildlife attracted to the pond, while allowing children to learn about nature and how things grow.

"Locals said there was very little in the way of community facilities in Broseley. We're delighted to be involved in this project as it'll not only help educate local children and provide a focus for community activity, but it will also significantly improve the appearance of the area and provide habitat for local wildlife."

Work is planned to start in April or May so as not to disturb hibernating wildlife.

Steph Brett, Director of Wyldwoods, said: "The parents of a group of children from Bridgnorth who have special needs have said the pond could be an enormous asset to the experiences of their children but, in its present state, posed something of a safety concern.

"By creating safe areas around the pond, the community will improve their understanding of how mankind and mother nature can live harmoniously and even improve the environment for all concerned.

"The Broseley community will benefit greatly from this beautiful and accessible community site, especially now the pond will be made into a usable and environmentally valuable asset."

The Safer Environment Fund is open to all local community groups and not-for-profit organisations with their own bank account located in the Central Networks distribution region, which covers central England. Groups can apply for grants of up to £2,500. For more information and to download an application form visit www.central-networks.co.uk/sef.

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

A selection of Central Networks images are available free of charge to the media by registering at www.newscast.co.uk and looking under Distribution

Central Networks reminds children to stay SAFE over Easter holidays

AndrewBarrow — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:10:00 GMT

"Playing with pylons means playing with your lives."

That is the message from power distribution company Central Networks, which is reminding children across the Midlands to keep well away from its electrical equipment and stay safe while having fun over the Easter break.

Central Networks already takes its electricity safety teaching vehicles, the Power Discovery Trucks, into schools across central England to teach children about the dangers posed by electricity, but some are still unaware of the dangers they face when playing near power lines.

"The start of some of our lessons are often interrupted by a child, full of bravado, saying they and their mates have gone into substations in the past," said Graham Coles, Public Safety Manager at Central Networks.

"It's only when they continue their lesson that those children fully appreciate how dangerous their actions have been.

"By the end of the session, when they understand that their ‘play' could have ended their life, they become much more serious and we're fairly sure that they'll think twice about it in the future."

To get the special safety message across over the coming Easter holidays, the company is asking local youngsters to be on their best behaviour and stay SAFE:

S - Stay out of substations and do not climb electricity poles or pylons

A - Always look out for overhead power lines - take care using kites, fishing rods or model aeroplanes

F - Find a place to play that isn't near electrical equipment

E - Electricity can kill so play safe and stay safe

Graham said: "I'm sure children across the region are looking forward to the start of the Easter holidays and, by remembering a few basic safety rules and not taking unnecessary risks, they can still have fun and keep themselves safe.

"It's important children understand that playing with our pylons, overhead lines or substations could mean playing with their lives."

Central Networks has set up a website (www.powerdiscoveryzone.com) especially designed for children, with fun activities to teach them about electricity, and how they can learn to recognise the dangers around the home and in the street.

The website contains jokes, competitions, games and fun facts.

The Power Discovery Truck is a free educational resource for primary schools across the Midlands. Teachers who would like to request a visit from the truck to their school should visit www.powerdiscoveryzone.com and follow the directions in the Teacher's Zone.

Ends

Notes to editors:

Central Networks brings power to 4.9 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables - enough to go round the Earth almost four times - 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 Power Discovery Zone website (www.powerdiscoveryzone.com) is designed to support the Central Networks Power Discovery Truck which is a free resource that visits local schools to teach pupils about electricity and electrical safety.
Teachers who would like the truck to visit their school should go to www.powerdiscoveryzone.com and follow the directions in the Teacher's Zone.

For further information contact:

Andrew Barrow on 024 7618 3677

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

E.ON welcomes Women Engineers of the future

AndrewBarrow — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:58:00 GMT

Budding young women engineers from across the East Midlands will be taking part in E.ON UK's first ever Women Into Engineering education programme this month.

A group of 130 students aged between 14 and 16 have been offered the opportunity to take part in the project aimed at attracting more women into what has traditionally been seen as a male-dominated industry.

Pupils of 14 schools across Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire will each spend time at the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station, taking part in activities lead by women engineers already working at E.ON, the UK's largest integrated power and gas company.

The teenagers will take part in workshop sessions with overhead linespersons, cable jointers and fitters - with an opportunity to take part in exercises to simulate real-life working situations.

There will also be female former apprentices from E.ON to help out and talk about their experiences.

One of those will be E.ON electrical engineer Alice Delahunty who earlier this year scooped the top accolade at the prestigious Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards.

Alice, 26, of Sneinton in Nottinghamshrie, beat hundreds of other candidates to take out the award and £1,000 prize money.

"Engineering has traditionally been seen as a male-orientated profession but, with this scheme, we're aiming to change all that," said Gemma Taylor, a mechanical design engineer at Central Networks who is herself an E.ON graduate trainee.

"The course provides an insight into engineering in a fun and involving way, with lots of hands-on activities presented by women engineers already enjoying a career at E.ON."

David Hughes, Stakeholder and Programme Development Manager at E.ON, added: "We believe we're missing out on a huge section of the workforce and they could be missing out on a fantastically rewarding career.

"This programme allows us to identify women with an aptitude and interest in engineering, which will help with our main priority - to ensure our future engineers become the best in their field so we can continue to build on our position as a leading force in the energy market."

E.ON already runs the Young Apprenticeship Programme, a two-year course that takes place during the final two years of students' GCSEs, with the successful candidates spending a total of 50 days at E.ON with professional engineers to gain practical experience.

Ends

Notes to editors:

You are invited to attend one of the sessions on Monday, March 17 at the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station. Attendance must be confirmed in advance through the contact details below.

Visiting schools:

New College, Leicester

Beauchamp College, Oadby, Leicester

William Bradford Community College, Earl Shilton, Leicester

Countesthorpe Community College, Leicester

The Garendon School, Leicester

Riverside Community College, Leicester

Limehurst School, Leicester

St Bedes Catholic Science College, Lincs

Quegs, Horncastle, Lincs

Cordeaux School, Louth, Lincs

St Georges College of Technology, Sleaford, Lincs

The Charles Read High School, Corby Glen, Lincs

Saint John Houghton Catholic School, Derbys

Mill Hill School, Ripley, Derbys
Dukeries College, Notts

E.ON is the UK's largest integrated power and gas company - generating and distributing electricity, and retailing power and gas - and is part of the E.ON group, the world's largest investor-owned power and gas company. We employ around 15,000 people in the UK;
E.ON has developed two programmes to support the teaching of energy topics in schools. The Energy Experience comprises printed and interactive web-based teaching materials, with links at key stages 1-4 to the science and geography curricula. A second initiative, plugin2engineering, has been designed to assist with the teaching of electricity at key stages 3 and 4 by helping students to see how their classroom learning has applications in the real world.

For further information and to arrange attendance contact:

Deanna Mooney on 02476 183678 or Andrew Barrow on 024 7618 3677

Mediterranean moods – garden revamp made possible by Central Networks

DeannaMooney — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 13:48:00 GMT

Elderly residents living in sheltered accommodation in Redditch will soon be enjoying their own Mediterranean themed garden, thanks to a £2,500 grant from power company Central Networks.

Work is due to begin this month to revamp the garden at Keats House, which was made possible with a donation from the power distribution company's Safer Environment Fund.

There are 20 flats in the council-run block of sheltered accommodation and all the residents were consulted on what they wanted for their new garden. Improvements will include block paving the area, removing overgrown shrubs and planting new flowers and grasses.

"The Safer Environment Fund is just one example of our commitment to improve the areas where we operate and help the customers we serve," said Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager for Central Networks.

"We're hoping this project will make the communal gardens a far more pleasant place for residents to sit in during the summer months.

"This project carries on the work we have been undertaking following the issues we had last year. We aim to give excellent customer service and I hope this goes some way to giving something back after the problems we faced in the area."

Central Networks owns and operates the substation in the Headless Cross area of Redditch which suffered two fires last year.

Ward councillor Carole Gandy welcomed the generous donation which she said had allowed the residents of Keats House to be involved with the planning of the garden which should be easy to manage.

Residents were looking forward to relaxing in the sun, she added.

Gavin Boyes, Landscape and Countryside Officer with Redditch Borough Council, said of the project: "The garden will have a more Mediterranean feel.

"We went to residents with initial ideas and they have been involved with developing these, choosing materials and planting schemes."

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 in the Central Networks Press Office on 02476 183 677

or Helen Halls in the Redditch Borough Council Press Office on 01527 534 007.

A selection of Central Networks images are available free of charge to the media by registering at www.newscast.co.uk and looking under Distribution

Access all areas for Duffield’s Millennium Meadow, thanks to Central Networks

AndrewBarrow — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 12:24:00 GMT

A £2,500 grant from Central Networks is opening up access for disabled visitors at Duffield's Millennium Meadow project.

The Millennium Meadow was recognised by English Nature as a Local Nature Reserve and won an Age Concern award for "uniting different generations and promoting positive environmental attitudes".

But over time many of the visitor features added to the meadow, such as bench seats and gateways have deteriorated.

Now Central Networks, part of E.ON, has donated £2,500 from its Safer Environmental Fund to provide new benches for the 14-acre site and better access for wheelchair users.

Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager for Central Networks, said: "Up to 200 people a day visit the Duffield Millennium Meadow, which proves what a valuable resource it is for the local community.

"It is exactly the sort of project our Safer Environment was set up to help and we are delighted to help make this a nicer and more accessible place to visit."

The new furniture for the meadow will be made from sustainable and local Green Oak.

Nick Mirfin, Secretary of the renovation project, said: "With wear and tear over the past eight years, the seating has rotted, the ground through the gateways has eroded and some more modern wheelchairs are now too large to pass through the access.

"The improvements will benefit all visitors, particularly wheelchair users and other disabled and will also encourage others to do so and improve their environmental knowledge and attitudes."

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 Boarders to the Lincolnshire Coast.

For more information contact:

Andrew Barrow on 02476 183 677

A selection of Central Networks images are available free of charge to the media by registering at www.newscast.co.uk and looking under Distribution

Volunteers from Lincolnshire go wild for woodland recovery thanks to Central Networks

AndrewBarrow — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 12:22:00 GMT

Volunteers from a Lincolnshire community group are working to create a ‘green lung' wildlife trail for local families after being awarded £2,500 by Central Networks, the electricity distribution network for the midlands.

The project in South Holland will reinvigorate the environment on a ten acre site at the hub of a number of small rural communities which, campaigners say, have been destroyed by decades of modern farming methods.

It is hoped the work will create an area at the centre of a network of local roads where families can enjoy a day out in beautiful surroundings and where children can play safely away from traffic.

South Holland Enterprise for the Disabled was one of the winning applicants for the Safer Environment Fund, distributed by Central Networks, part of E.ON, a £70,000 annual fund which makes money available for schemes with a lasting and positive effect on the local environment.

Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager for Central Networks, said:"The new trail isn't just a safer place for children to play, it also offers a place for families to enjoy themselves without having to travel long distances and plays an important role in the heart of the community.

"We're delighted to be able to help and would encourage more local groups to apply for funds to help improve their community and environment."

David Whyles, chairman of South Holland Enterprise for the Disabled, said: "The money provided by Central Networks will help us to develop a larger site that already attracts around a thousand visitors a week.

"We are excited to turn around a destroyed environmental space into a transformed treat of hedges and wildlife habitats that will be hugely appreciated by visitors from all over the country."

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 - enough to go round the Earth almost four times - 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:

Andrew Barrow on 024 7618 3677

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

Crowbars, hacksaws and power cables don’t mix – cable thieves lucky to escape alive, warns Central Networks

AndrewBarrow — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:52:00 GMT

Two groups of thieves who used crowbars and a hacksaw to cut through live power lines in separate incidents across the West Midlands would have been lucky to escape alive, warned electricity distribution company Central Networks today.

In the latest cases where callous and foolish thieves have targeted high voltage power cables, those involved would have caused truly terrifying - and life-threatening - short circuits.

Engineers called to reports of a power cut in Telford, Shropshire, at the weekend found a crowbar embedded in switchgear equipment inside a substation and signs of burning in the area.

There would have been a very loud bang and flashing as 11,000 volts discharged through the metal bar.

A total of 112 customers lost power in the incident on Sunday evening (February 24), with electricity restored within two hours.

In a separate incident in Hopwas, near Lichfield, Staffordshire, on Saturday night, engineers found a melted hacksaw inside a vandalised substation. It is more than possible that the would-be thief was showered with molten copper after hacking into the cable.

In both incidents, despite the damage done and the risks caused, no metal was stolen.

Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager with Central Networks, said:"These are obviously not the brightest of people. The sheer stupidity of cutting through live power cables should be glaringly obvious to everyone.

"At the very least, wedging a crowbar into substation switchgear or putting a hacksaw through the cable would have shorted the circuit.

"It would have created an almighty bang and the line would have burned for quite a few seconds, showering them with molten metal.

"They could quite easily have lost their life. I can't stress highly enough that it's just not worth it."

These two incidents are the latest in a series of attempted thefts across the Midlands.

In Warwickshire in January, thieves used a motorised disc cutter to attack a new 33,000 volt cable from the site of the new Rugby relief road;
Last month in Creswell, north Derbyshire, a site investigation following a power cut revealed a rucksack at the bottom of a terminal pole, a hacksaw blade in one of the 11,000 volt cables and a blow torch, which was still lit.

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

Witnesses to the Telford incident should call West Mercia Police on 08457 444 888, anyone with information on the Staffordshire incident should call police on 08453 30 20 10.

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 Boarders 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;
Crimestoppers also runs the Most Wanted website www.mostwanted-uk.org where people can give information about suspected criminals anonymously online;
Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has had over 850,000 calls. There have been over 75,000 arrests, over £95m property has been recovered and over £130m worth of drugs has been seized.

For further information contact:

Andrew Barrow on 024 7618 3677