Electricity North West Limited which owns the north west's electricity network has announced that it has signed a contract with United Utilities for the purchase of United Utilities Electricity Services Limited (UUES).

The purchase of UUES, which is contracted to operate and maintain the network on behalf of Electricity North West, enables the Company to establish one group which owns, operates, manages and maintains its network. This will enable Electricity North West to address the challenges of Ofgem's latest price control and provides an efficient business structure to deliver investment in the north west's electricity network.


Steve Johnson, CEO of Electricity North West, commented: "This acquisition presents a great opportunity for Electricity North West and the north west of England. Incorporating our operations and maintenance contract into one business will reduce costs, improve efficiency and secure continued delivery of all services to customers in the region.

"We are already committed to a planned investment of £1bn over the next five years and by creating a single company we will be well placed to ensure the delivery of this vital infrastructure and support the move to a low carbon economy in the north west."

(CD/GK)