Smart meters bring access to new information about network performance in, or close to, real time. In most circumstances, we will no longer need customers to call us to tell us that they are without power. We will also know exactly which customers are driving what capacity requirements on the network. We are exploring opportunities to use that information to improve our response to power outages and to plan the network more intelligently, including how to measure and target the reduction of electrical network losses.

Continued growth in web-based and digitally enabled services is introducing the possibility of enhanced customer interface and services. We work to develop our customer-facing systems and assets, improve the quality of the data that we hold, and streamline our background processes.

As provider of services that are paid for by all energy customers, we accept the imperative to keep downward pressure on our costs. Innovation trials help us find more cost-efficient ways to design, build and construct the network. We also are on the lookout to improve our involvement in addressing and alleviating fuel poverty, and in energy efficiency.

We are committed to promoting environmental awareness, best practice, and legal compliance amongst all staff. We take our environmental responsibilities seriously and manage the environmental impact of our activities very closely. This includes our carbon footprint, the risk of noise, water and land pollution, waste recycling, and the care for wildlife. We also manage the visual impact of our overhead lines, balancing the network requirements with our stakeholders’ input.