The combination of EDF Energy and British Energy forms one of the UK’s largest energy companies. The combined business is the UK’s largest producer of electricity. With a current installed capacity of around 16.5GW, we produce almost one-quarter of the nation's electricity from our nuclear, coal and gas power stations, as well as combined heat and power plants and wind farms.

We provide power to a quarter of the UK’s population via our electricity distribution networks in London, the South East and the East of England and supply gas and electricity to over 5.5 million business and residential customers. Through Our Climate and Social Commitments we have launched the biggest environmental and social packages of any UK energy company.

The company is also a key player in national infrastructure projects including management of private electricity networks serving four London airports and the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, the country’s first major new railway in 100 years. EDF Energy and British Energy together employ nearly 20,000 people at locations across the UK. The combined companies are part of EDF Group, one of Europe’s largest power companies. EDF is the official energy utilities partner and sustainability partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Case Studies

Active communities - Be Safe, Be Careful Around Electricity

Electricity supply networks are essential but can be dangerous, and when power cuts or accidents happen frustration is usually directed at the network operator rather than the individual causing the incident.

EDF Energy aims for ‘Zero Harm’ to the communities living and working around their electricity network. This is achieved by giving a greater understanding and sense of ownership of their local network and helping them understand the potential risk of substations and power lines.

Through the Public Safety team targeting community groups, the farming and leisure industries, contractors who work in proximity to the electricity network as well as a dedicated reporting helpline the programme has reduced cable strikes, halved criminal damage and reduced harm. It has also improved the appearance of substations which has a positive impact on the local environment.

Another benefit has been to minimise power cuts. This is particularly important to vulnerable customers as a power failure can be life-threatening to very frail customers, those with special needs or dependent on vital electrical medical equipment.

Impact

• With up to 500 calls each month to their helpline, EDF Energy is now able to act as soon as a problem is reported. Theft, vandalism and criminal damage has reduced.
• The number of people being harmed has reduced by 18%, which shows a health improvement, as well as saving EDF Energy investigation and reporting costs.
• ‘Cable strikes’ have reduced by 15% and EDF has experienced substantially lower repair costs.
• EDF Energy received a £350,000 discretionary reward and public praise from Ofgem, the industry regulator, and other network operators have been actively encouraged by Ofgem to follow their lead.

Delivering a best in sector supply chain

EDF Energy identified three concerns about the sustainability of its supply chain: the increasing talent gap in its industry, inconsistent health & safety standards, and environmental performance. In taking action on these issues strategic suppliers were prioritised, new operations systems were adopted and sustainability targets were embedded into supplier performance measures and improvement plans.

EDF Energy’s approach focused on collaboration and continuous improvement; finding innovative ways to reduce waste and increasing supplier security so that the necessary investments could be made. Suppliers were supported through the sharing of business plans to allow long term planning and collaborative learning, including supplier forums and cross-partner training.

Impact

• £10m per annum savings in capital expenditure reduction
• £2m per annum savings through recycling and reusing an additional 400,000 tonnes of streetworks waste per year
• Improved supplier relations: 86% of suppliers feel more secure about the future and 76% believe EDF have helped improve their operational efficiency
• Increased investment by suppliers across the sustainability focus areas
• 7% reduction in CO2 emissions from 2006 to 2008

Environmental Leadership Award case study

EDF Energy’s mission is to bring sustainable energy solutions home to everyone. The activities and targets to meet this goal are outlined in our “Climate Commitments”, a public pledge to reduce the intensity of CO2 emissions from electricity production and to inspire the company’s stakeholders to also play their part.

Initiatives to reduce emissions from electricity production include the £12bn purchase of British Energy with new nuclear build planned, a new efficient Combined Cycle Gas Turbine generation plant to power 1.5m homes and investment in 1,000MW of renewable energy production.

But it’s not easy being green! We encourage all our stakeholders to reduce their carbon footprint. For example, we run Knowledge Sharing Days with our Suppliers, developed Energy Efficiency Toolkits for our major business clients and have products such as Eco 20:20 for our residential customers. And anyone can take our Carbon Challenge!

Impact

• Reduced the carbon footprint of offices and depots by 15.7% between 2006 and 2008 ; energy bills were £1m lower in 2008 than they would have been without action
• Helped over 2,000 businesses reduce their carbon footprint. Business customers who seek help have 98% retention levels, compared to 75% for other customers