The next decade will be crucial for the future of energy in the UK and will be determined by the decisions we make today.

Over the next 10 years, we’ll lose around a third of the UK’s generating capacity, as a result of ageing power stations and the EU’s Large Combustion Plant Directive (LCPD) effectively closing a number of coal-fired plants.

We’re determined that neither will happen and we’re aiming to provide secure supplies of energy through a multi-billion pound investment new build programme. We believe the only answer for this race to replace is to have a range of generation options, not just to keep the lights on, but to keep energy affordable and to reduce carbon emissions. We need renewables, gas, clean coal and nuclear and we’re investing in all of them.

And it’s not just about how we generate power – we’re spending huge amounts in upgrading our distribution network to ensure our power lines and cables can handle the new and innovate developments taking place to bring power to homes and businesses while minimising disruptions in supply to our customers.

We aim to provide secure supplies of energy through diversity; having a range of generation options at our disposal is essential.

We’re aiming to provide secure supplies of energy through investment new build programme. We believe the answer is through diversity; having a range of generation options at our disposal is essential. For us, it’s not just about keeping the lights on, but also keeping energy affordable and less harmful to the environment. We need renewables, gas, clean coal and nuclear and we’re investing in all of them.

That’s why, along with our investments in renewables, we’re also building one of the world’s largest combined heat and power (CHP) gas-fired power stations at the Isle of Grain.

And it’s not just about how we generate power – we’re spending huge amounts in upgrading our distribution network to ensure our power lines and cables can handle the new and innovate developments taking place to bring power to homes and businesses whilst minimising disruptions in supply to our customers.

We aim to minimise the disruption for our customers and restore supply as quickly as possible. We improved our performance in 2008 compared to 2007 both for Customer Interruptions and Customer Minute Lost.

We aim to restore faults as quickly as possible while keeping customers informed. We’re the only Distribution Network providing live network information on our website. This year we also added a network information service via text message.

All this is happening today as part of our aim of providing secure energy supplies not just for us, but for our children and our children’s children.