Electricity North West has appointed a high profile industry expert to chair its consumer vulnerability panel.
Jenny Willis boasts a wealth of experience in research, participation, and community and stakeholder engagement, particularly focussing on the needs of those who find themselves in vulnerable circumstances.
The consumer vulnerability panel helps support the delivery of Electricity North West’s Consumer Vulnerability Strategy whilst also providing advice and suggestions on future policies.
Willis chairs an experienced board which includes representatives from Energy Savings Trust, United Utilities, Burnley Boys and Girls Club, LEAP, Kashmir Youth Project, NEA, Advocacy Focus, Citizens Advice, Business in the Community, Cumbria Action for Sustainability and various local authorities.
“It is an honour to chair a panel which is vital to the way Electricity North West supports vulnerable customers,” she said.
“In this role, I am looking forward to harnessing the wealth of experience represented on the Panel, and also meeting key representatives from businesses and authorities throughout the North West.
“Electricity North West’s consumer vulnerability strategy has achieved a number of great things for the region. It’s an exciting time to join the panel and help oversee the implementation of their strategy, in particular focusing on fuel poverty and understanding vulnerabilities across the North West and identifying ways and new partnerships to support those most in need during a power cut.”
Willis, also sits on the independent customer engagement group helping shape Electricity North West’s business plans for future investments, was appointed to the role following a stringent selection process.
Working with consultancy 3KQ, she has previously supported SGN and SP Energy Networks with their stakeholder engagement, and spent several years working with Co-operatives UK alongside community energy projects. She also runs a small upland farm near Kendal with her family.
Stephanie Trubshaw, customer director at Electricity North West, added: “The consumer vulnerability panel is vital to the way we support our vulnerable customers.
“As well as providing support to customers during power cuts, the panel also looks to build a stronger and more resilient community in everyday life helping to reduce fuel poverty, increasing fuel efficiency and delivering a reliable constant supply of electricity which helps assure business and local enterprises to thrive throughout our region.”
“I am really pleased that somebody of Jenny’s calibre is now chair of the group and I’ve no doubt it will help us moving forward.”
