For the second year Western Power Distribution (WPD) is delighted to support the Worcestershire Education Awards by sponsoring the Unsung Hero category.

WPD is the electricity distribution network operator for Worcestershire as well as the rest of the Midlands, South West England and South Wales.

Its electricity network of 15,000 pylons, 132,000km of underground cable, 91,000km of overhead lines and 295,000 pieces of switchgear delivers a safe and reliable electricity

supply to over 7.9 million customers around the clock. WPD’s work costs customers 27p a day.

And when storms blow debris into lines or snow brings trees down, it’s WPD’s engineers who are out braving the elements to restore your power.

Customers are at the heart of everything WPD does, because distributing power to homes and businesses affects all our lives.

The energy industry is currently undergoing a period of transformation as the country moves away from traditional, centralised methods of generation such as coal-fired power

stations to smaller, more renewable sources like wind turbines and solar panels.

Increasing uptake of electric vehicles means the demand for electricity will grow over the next decades; WPD is responsible for finding and using innovative solutions to best

manage its network and keep the lights on, now and in the future.

WPD’s Worcester Distribution Manager Mike Wigmore said: “With the full impact of these changes coming in the next ten to 20 years, in many cases the people who will provide the

solutions and change all of our lives are now at school.

“All of us depend on these future engineers being inspired by those in the education system in some way. That might be by a teacher or assistant but it might also be by someone

who quietly goes the extra mile and proves that it is possible for one person to make a difference to the lives of those around them.

“We are proud to support the Worcestershire Education Awards’ Unsung Hero category because it gives us a chance to recognise the impact these remarkable people have on the lives

of those around them and I’d like to say good luck to everyone who enters or is nominated.”

Along with running the largest electricity distribution network by geography in the country, WPD has a commitment to education: it runs two training centres, which provide everything

from apprentice training to ongoing training for its engineers.

If you experience a power cut, you can call 105 for free and be put through to one of WPD’s contact centre teams. You can also tweet @wpduk or visit

www.westernpower.co.uk.

If you need extra support during a power cut, for instance because you rely on electricity for medical equipment, you can join WPD’s free, confidential Priority Service Register.

WPD also regularly holds stakeholder consultations and customers who are interested in taking part can register by calling 0800 121 4909 or emailing info@westernpower.co.uk.