Investigation into Western Power Distribution plc and its compliance with obligations relating to the Priority Services Register
Investigation
- Open
- Decision proposed
- Closed
Publication date
Company
Western Power Distribution (East Midlands) Plc
Western Power Distribution (South Wales) Plc
Western Power Distribution (South West) Plc
Western Power Distribution (West Midlands) Plc
Industry sector
Distribution Network
Licence type
Electricity Distribution Licence
Decision
The Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (“the Authority”) has confirmed its decision to impose a financial penalty on Western Power Distribution (East Midlands) plc, Western Power Distribution (South Wales) plc, Western Power Distribution (South West) plc and Western Power Distribution (West Midlands) plc (collectively referred to hereinafter as "WPD") for its failure to comply with SLCs 9, 10 and 30 of its Electricity Distribution Licences.
SLC 10 sets out various obligations relating to customers on the Priority Services Register ("PSR") including a duty to establish and maintain a PSR, a duty to give information and advice to PSR customers and a requirement to publicise PSR services and procedures.
SLC 9 relates to the arrangements for visiting a customer’s premises including publishing information, arrangements for ensuring the licensee is recognisable to members of the public and fitness and propriety arrangements.
SLC 30 relates to the licensee’s obligation to ensure sufficient resources are available to properly and efficiently carry on its Distribution Business and meet its regulatory obligations.
The Authority considered it appropriate to impose a financial penalty for these contraventions and issued its Notice of Intention to impose a financial penalty on WPD on 4 May 2022. There were no representations made in response to that publication.
The Authority has decided to impose a financial penalty of £1 on each of Western Power Distribution (East Midlands) plc, Western Power Distribution (South Wales) plc, Western Power Distribution (South West) plc and Western Power Distribution (West Midlands) plc. This is in addition to £14,909,560 (less £4) that WPD has agreed to pay in voluntary redress. The redress will be paid into Ofgem’s Voluntary Redress Fund (administered by the Energy Saving Trust) and the money will be used to the benefit of energy consumers.
Further details can be found in the final penalty notice.