The Ashton-under-Lyne MP writes about a recent meeting with Electricity North West on the support available to those who need it in a power cut and ambitious improvement plans in the years ahead.

I recently met representatives from Electricity North West to hear more about their investment plan for the region and the measures they are putting in place to protect my most vulnerable constituents in the event of power cuts over the winter.

At the meeting, we discussed Electricity NW’s winter preparedness campaign and the steps they have taken to provide additional support to customers with the cost of living.

They also told me about their Extra Care Register which provides extra support to those who need it during a power cut.

You are eligible for the Extra Care Register if you are state pension age, are disabled or have a long-term medical condition, are recovering from an injury, have a hearing or sight condition, have a mental health condition, are pregnant or have young children, have extra communication needs (such as if you don’t speak or read English well), need to use medical equipment that requires a power supply, have poor or no sense of smell or would struggle to answer the door or get help in an emergency.

There are also other occasions when someone may become temporarily eligible, such as if they have just had surgery that makes them more vulnerable then they usually would be and in need of additional support.

Anyone who thinks they are eligible and wants to register can dial 105 for free, or visit www.enwl.co.uk/extracare or www.enwl.co.uk/BeWinterReady

Electricity NW also informed me of its investment proposal for 2023 – 2028. I was encouraged by innovations such as its Smart Street technology that can help reduce energy use and subsequently decrease energy bills and plans to strengthen network resilience.

I believe these are examples of the type of investment we should be encouraging in the North West and regulatory frameworks should work to enable this investment, particularly given the wider value this can bring through supply chain contributions and job creation.

During my discussion with Electricity North West, I was made aware of certain disadvantages that the company faces as the only Distribution Network Operator with a single licensed area and I am concerned about the practical impact this could have on their ability to deliver its planned investment across the region and in my constituency.

I have written to Ofgem to urge them to support Electricity NW’s ambitious plans to deliver improvements throughout my constituency as the mission continues to level-up the north!

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