We are always looking to improve network performance in the short term whilst ensuring that, long-term, we invest in the right assets in the right places.

The vast expansion of the electricity system during the 1950s and 1960s introduced many assets like wires and substation that are now approaching the end of their useful lives.

We have many investment projects in place covering all areas of our network and are actually increasing the amount of money we intend to spend to 2010.

Proposed Investment   (PDF, 48KB)

Asset replacement

Network replacement is set to increase in coming years. For example we are investing £15m in replacing targeted sections of low voltage cable type that is no longer delivering the required service levels. £76m is being directed to the restoration of overhead lines to "as new"standard to provide a more reliable electricity supply in rural areas, both under normal conditions and during severe weather.

We pride ourselves on providing a reliable, safe network and constantly strive to improve our performance, both in terms of operation effectiveness and customer service. A customer focused approach is central to how we approach all aspects of our business, and this is reflected in our investment in the network.

Network enhancement

In Gloucester, for example, we are investing £15m and, in Birmingham £26m to replace and upgrade part of the network, increase the supply capacity and to provide both an even better service to existing customers and also to make sure that we have enough capacity to cater for the needs of new customers.

This is also reflected in Milton Keynes, with a £16m extension and reinforcement of the existing electricity supply because the area is growing so quickly. By spending the money now, tomorrow's customers will benefit.

Quality of supply

Central Network's commitment to customers is reflected in the dedication to finding new ways to use technology to improve quality of supply.We are investing £37m in reconfiguring networks, installing automatic switches and introducing facilities to allow remote control of the network by centrally based control engineers. This will both reduce the number of power outages that customers experience and also allow us to restore supplies even more quickly than before.