Mike Hedges AM hosts WPD event to celebrate the future of carbon-free energy in Wales

Press Release

Mike Hedges AM hosts WPD event to celebrate the future of carbon-free energy in Wales

12 November 2019 – In Cardiff last week, Mike Hedges, Assembly Member for Swansea East, hosted Ysgogi Cymru – Innovating to Net Zero – a reception by Western Power Distribution (WPD) in the National Assembly for Wales.

Attendees heard how WPD is leading the way towards affordable decarbonisation of the South Wales energy system through harnessing the latest low carbon technologies - playing its part to help achieve Wales’ net zero ambitions. WPD representatives showed Mike and other AMs how it is decarbonising the South Wales energy system, via targeted investments in infrastructure, smarter networks and the implementation of low carbon generation and technologies. Over 26 WPD innovation projects have taken place within South Wales and over £182 million has been invested into the region’s network over the past twelve months.

Mike also met some of the young Welsh people who are building skilled careers as WPD apprentices, joining an over 1,000 strong team keeping the lights on in South Wales. Members of the WPD community team were also in attendance to detail how the organisation is addressing fuel poverty and supporting vulnerable customers within its network area, highlighting WPD’s Priority Services Register.

Over 91,000 Swansea residents are potentially eligible for WPD’s Priority Services Register which provides vulnerable customers with extra support in the event of a power cut. However, only 65.2% of those potentially eligible are currently registered with the service.

Commenting on the event, Mike Hedges said: “It was fantastic to hear how WPD is working to facilitate a net-zero future in Wales and within Swansea. It is clear to see that WPD is taking an innovative approach to delivering affordable, low carbon energy and opportunities in South Wales. I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the South Wales energy system. I would also urge the residents of Swansea East to sign up to WPD’s priority services register if they qualify. It is important that as many vulnerable residents as possible receive the extra support they are entitled to if a power cut happens.

I hope that people in my Swansea East constituency will sign up to be on the priority register. If people would like more information please contact my office.

Sean Sullivan, WPD’s Network Services Manager for Wales stated: “Whether it is through getting the network electric vehicle ready, connecting renewable sources or developing more flexible networks, WPD is working hard to get Wales to net zero. I was pleased to discuss our vision with assembly members and I look forward to working with stakeholders in the coming years.”

For more information on WPD’s work please visit www.westernpower.co.uk/. WPD’s Priority Services Register is a free service which provides extra support to vulnerable customers in the event of a power cut. For more information on the service ring 0800 096 3080 or email wpdpriorityservices@westernpower.co.uk.

ENDS

Notes to editors

For more information on WPD’s work visit www.westernpower.co.uk/.

WPD’s Priority Services Register is a free service which provides extra support to vulnerable customers in the event of a power cut. For more information on the service ring 0800 096 3080 or email wpdpriorityservices@westernpower.co.uk.

Western Power Distribution (WPD) is the distribution network operator for the Midlands, South West England and South Wales.

It is responsible for delivering electricity to approximately 7.9 million customers in the UK and committed to investing around £1 billion on its network annually.

WPD is not an electricity supply company and does not bill customers in the UK. Its responsibility is to distribute electricity to homes and businesses.

The distribution element makes up around 17% of an average customer’s annual bill which is around £100 or 27p a day.  

In a power cut, call 105 for free 24 hours a day.