Western Power Distribution

Western Power Distribution is the trading identity of four electricity distribution companies in the United Kingdom: WPD South West (operating in South West England), WPD South Wales (in South Wales) and WPD Midlands (two companies, in the East Midlands and West Midlands). Each company is the distribution network operator for its respective region. Western Power Distribution, which has headquarters in Bristol, serves approximately 7.7 million customers in its combined distribution areas.

Western Power Distribution
TypeSubsidiary
IndustryElectricity
Founded1999
HeadquartersBristol, United Kingdom
Area served
Wales & South West, East Midlands & West Midlands
ProductsElectricity distribution
ServicesEnergy
ParentNational Grid
Websitewww.westernpower.co.uk

Western Power Distribution was a subsidiary of the American energy company PPL Corporation for many years.[1] In August 2020, PPL announced an intention to sell WPD.[2] In March 2021, PPL announced a swap with National Grid in which it divested WPD and acquired Narragansett Electric of Rhode Island.[3] The acquisition was completed in June 2021, subject to a review by the Competition and Markets Authority.[4]

The company had no connection with Western Power Corporation, the former electricity distributor in Australia.

Eurocopter EC135P1 of Western Power Distribution used for line inspections (2016)

Company history

WPD South West

In 1998, WPD South West was formed from the demerger of the electricity distribution arm of SWEB.[5]

WPD South Wales

In September 2000, PPL purchased Hyder for £565m and sold Welsh Water and other interests, leaving the electricity distribution arm Infralec which was renamed WPD South Wales.[5][6]

WPD Midlands

In April 2011, E.on's Central Networks (the distribution network operator for the East and West Midlands) was purchased by PPL for £3.5 billion and rebranded as Western Power Distribution.

References
  1. Western Power Distribution, PPLWeb.com
  2. "WPD put up for sale by US owner PPL as it looks to reposition its portfolio". Current News. 11 August 2020. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
  3. Armitage, Jim (18 March 2021). "National Grid to quit gas in major shift to green electricity". Evening Standard. Retrieved 18 March 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. "Acquisition completion: Western Power Distribution - 11:06:23 14 Jun 2021 - NG. News article | London Stock Exchange". www.londonstockexchange.com. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  5. http://www.catalyst-commercial.co.uk/who_owns_whom.pdf
  6. BBC News | BUSINESS | Hyder faces fresh battle


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