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Developing a low-carbon network

Our network has been historically designed on the basis that electricity flows in one direction - from large-scale generation to consumers - and not according to demand.

To benefit our low-carbon customers, we are developing innovative new contracts to give financial benefits to customers in certain locations if demand is managed to suit our network.

We can also help deliver carbon reductions in heating and transport through distributing electricity for heat pumps and the recharging of electric vehicles.

Smart grid

‘Smart grid’ technologies enable us to intelligently manage our network and match supply with demand in the best way possible.

Newer low-carbon electricity generation, such as wind and solar power, often connects directly to our network rather than to the National Grid transmission network which is where larger-scale generation connects. This means that our network needs to adapt to these changes.

Network changes

We are continually taking steps to reduce energy usage and encourage our customers to use electricity more efficiently.

Our network will change to help deliver:

  • the introduction of significant quantities of local generation
  • new patterns of demand
  • changing customer expectations

See our Research and Trials pages for further information on how we are preparing for the future.

See Connections to connect electricity demand and generation to our network.

If you wish to discuss an innovative idea you have relating to our development of a low carbon network then please contact

Steve Cox, Head of Future Networks
or Simon Brooke, Low Carbon Projects Manager
via futurenetworks@enwl.co.uk

Are you a priority customer?

We appreciate that some customers have additional requirements and may have circumstances where a priority service is needed for a variety of reasons.

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Knowledge centre

Find answers to questions about Electricity North West, including details on electricity connections, power cuts and general enquiries

Check out frequently asked questions and our user guides.

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22/02/12: Old Bold electricity pylons head into retirement

A £750,000 investment project to replace an 80-year-old electricity circuit in Bold is nearing completion with three remaining steel pylons being dismantled this month.

Electricity North West, the region’s electricity distribution operator, has already redirected overhead electricity lines between the A49 and Bold substation in order to take down the original towers.

The old equipment has provided electricity to customers in the area since the 1930s and is now at the end of its lifespan.

The project is part of a £1.4bn investment in the region’s electricity network over a five-year period, ending 2015. This programme is the largest investment in the network for more than 30 years.

The last three old steel pylons are located on Mersey Valley Golf Club and on private farm property. Engineers from Electricity North West need to wait for dry weather conditions before completing the project to avoid causing damage to the land.

Bob Law, circuits manager at Electricity North West, said: “The pylons and overhead cables have been keeping the lights on between Bold and Golborne for over half a century, however this work needed to be done as part of our commitment to improve the electricity supply for the area’s residents and businesses.”

Electricity North West has planned the work to minimise disruption to residents and the electricity supply will not be affected by the removal of the remaining pylons.

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