Electricity infrastructure provider pledges to reduce charge to customers

Electricity North West has showcased its future investment in the region, as it promises to reduce the amount it charges customers.

The Stockport-based power network operator for the North West welcomed Bolton West MP, Chris Green, to sites in Atherton and Westhoughton, showing off both the underground and overhead electricity network.

Despite investing more than ever in the network, the operator says its costs will come down from April.

Currently around £90 from everyone’s electricity bill goes to Electricity North West to fund the overhead lines and underground cables that bring power to the region, but this will drop to around £80 next year.

As part of the visit, Green was shown two substations within Atherton, one of which is due a £35,000 upgrade, and in Westhoughton, where Electricity North West recently upgraded overhead lines and the underground network with a £225,000 investment.

Paul McMahon, Electricity North West’s area manager for Lancashire, said: “It was a pleasure to highlight both our current and future investment to Chris Green in his Bolton West constituency.

“The investments we’re making not only now, but in the future, will help reduce power cuts, improve resilience and help the region’s transition to a net zero future. We’re also very conscious about the huge cost pressures on households and businesses at the moment which is why we propose to reduce our part of bills from April while still delivering a great service to the region.

As well as its recent and future investments, Electricity North West plans to invest £1.8bn throughout the North West and Lancashire from 2023-28.

McMahon added: “We see ourselves much more than a power network operator.

“We’re here to serve our customers and we want to continue to provide an excellent service day in, day out.”

Chris Green said: “I was really pleased to visit sites within my constituency and learn about current and future investments Electricity North West will be making, but crucially while also reducing costs to bill payers.

“Electricity North West have a critical role to play as the region works towards net zero and the future investment will only assist people in adopting heat pumps and electric vehicles.

“What’s pleasing is the fact Electricity North West is increasing its investment but actually reducing its part of the electricity bill, particularly with the ongoing cost of living crisis.

“I look forward to seeing these critical investments progress, particularly in Bolton West and the wider North West area.”