The UK’s largest electricity distribution business has pledged to become a net zero organisation by 2028.
Western Power Distribution (WPD) - which covers the South West, South Wales and Midlands - has outlined in its latest business plan how it will achieve the status more than 20 years ahead of UK Government targets.
The Bristol-based firm, which was acquired by National Grid for £7.8bn from US energy giant PPL Corporation last year, said more than half of its carbon emissions (57%) come from fuel consumed by its vehicles and generators.
The supplier said it would replace almost 90% of its existing fleet with electric vehicles by 2028 and install charging points at its all operational sites. It also committed to reduce business travel by encouraging more remote working and virtual meetings.
WPD said it was also looking to limit the impact of its activities on the environment, by dealing with leaks from equipment and achieving a 10% net gain in biodiversity for new major projects and larger substation sites.
The firm said it was preparing its network to connect thousands of low carbon technologies, including EV chargers, solar panels and heat pumps. The company predicted that by 2028, an additional 1.5 million electric vehicles will be on the roads in its region, while 600,000 heat pumps will be installed.
Andrew Martyr-Icke, WPD Environment Team Manager, said: “West Country customers can’t get to net zero without WPD – but they also want to see us lead by example by tackling our own business carbon footprint.
“If we solve the climate emergency and enable our children and grandchildren to live in a world that is not ruined by the impacts of climate change, that will be – for many people across the UK - because staff at WPD did what they needed to do by standing up to the challenge and making net zero happen.”
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