Blackpool Illuminations receive six figure boost

Blackpool’s world famous Illuminations will be powered up by BES Commercial Electricity for the next two years thanks to a deal that has been signed today.

Over the last ten years new technology has meant that energy consumption for the Illuminations has reduced by two-thirds.

Fylde coast company, BES Utilities, has now signed a deal to provide electricity for free in 2014 and at half price in 2015. Based on current consumption figures the deal equates to more than £100,000 making BES Commercial Electricity the biggest contributor to the lights for the last ten years.

Andy Pilley, Chairman of BES Utilities, said: “I’ve wanted to do this for a while, so I’m absolutely delighted we have signed the contract and we are now the proud energy supplier of the Blackpool Illuminations – ‘The power behind the lights!’”.

Michelle Davidson, Director at BES, said: “We supply electricity to tens of thousands of businesses nationally as well as hundreds throughout the Blackpool area and there is a clear benefit that the Illuminations bring to residents and businesses on the Fylde coast. It helps our customers whether they are hoteliers, restaurants or local suppliers and I can’t think of a more fitting link than us as an electricity provider and Blackpool Council who deliver the Illuminations.”

Cllr Graham Cain, Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure, said: “Each year we spend in excess of £2 million on the Illuminations. We view it as vitally important to the economy of the town as a whole. When the lights are on businesses large and small benefit but in order for the show to continue change and develop we do need support from visitors and local businesses.

“I’m thrilled that BES Commercial Electricity is sponsoring the Illuminations in this way and I hope it marks the start of more local businesses following their lead. The money that this deal saves us will go towards the design and installation of new features in the Illuminations.”

This year the six mile display will run from Friday 29 August to Sunday 9 November.

Ends

 Notes to editors:

About BES Utilities / BES Commercial Electricity

Our vision is to become the best independent commercial electricity, gas and telecommunications supplier in the UK. To establish leadership in this area we will focus on delivering an outstanding level of customer service and endeavour to save our customers money on their energy and telecommunications.

Our mission is simple, to create value for clients by supplying electricity at a competitive rate, successfully harnessing the expertise of our highly skilled UK-based customer services team.

For more information, contact Golley Slater PR – Derek Harris / tel. 07779 164606 or e-mail. [email protected]