New supply chain framework will support jobs, training and business growth from North Wales to South Ayrshire
SP Energy Networks is ditching diesel for vegetable oil as part of a £46 million generator fleet investment designed to cut carbon emissions, support jobs and keep the lights on for customers.
The leading electricity network operator has appointed four specialist firms – Generator Hire North Wales, Generator Power, GWF Generators and Rehlko – to a new four-year generator hire framework that will support customers during planned works and power cuts across central and southern Scotland, Cheshire, Merseyside, Shropshire and North Wales.
The move will see SP Energy Networks’ back-up generators powered by cleaner hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) instead of traditional diesel. The renewable fuel is made from waste products like cooking oil, vegetable oils and animal fats, producing far lower carbon emissions than conventional diesel.
However, the benefits of the investment go far beyond cutting carbon, with the multi-million framework supporting jobs, training opportunities and business growth across the company’s operating areas – from North Wales to South Ayrshire.
Aileen Rourke, SP Energy Networks’ Licence Director, said: “Our new framework is a real game-changer for how we operate and it’s great to welcome our supply chain partners on board – some we’re working with for the first time. By switching from diesel to renewable fuel, we’re cutting emissions while making sure we continue to keep the lights on for customers if our network is unavailable.
“But it’s not just about going greener. This is about supporting local businesses, creating jobs and skills opportunities, and helping communities benefit from our investment – right on their doorstep – and our partners are testament to that. That’s the real power of our investment in the UK – everybody wins.”
Generator Hire North Wales was founded in 2016 by two brothers and has been working with SP Energy Networks for around two years from its site in North Wales.
Founder Aled Phillips said: “We’re proud to be part of this new framework and working with SP Energy Networks to support customers during both planned and reactive work. This contract means the world to us and will allow us to grow our business, create new jobs, and support the professional development of our existing staff.
“We operate in a very rural area, so being able to do this really matters and helps us contribute to our local area as much as we possibly can. We pride ourselves on being a small company with big power and even bigger ambitions – and working with SP Energy Networks, we will be able to bring those ambitions to life.”
Generator Power was founded 39 years ago by Managing Director Stephen Cardwell. Starting with only 20 generators and a small office in Leeds, it’s now the largest independent generator rental business in the UK, with 350 employees and 11 depots, including sites in Glasgow, Kendal and Warrington.
Working with SP Energy Networks for more than 16 years, the company has grown its workforce, expanded its depot network and introduced new technologies. It recently employed ten new apprentices on a three-year construction skills-based learning programme, with three of them based in depots covering SP Energy Networks’ licence areas.
Stephen Cardwell, Managing Director, said: “We’re extremely proud to continue working on this framework, building on the hard work and dedication of our teams as well as our continued investment in reliable, efficient and sustainable temporary power solutions. We look forward to continuing to support SP Energy Networks’ critical work to maintain and improve the electricity network for millions of customers, while delivering economic growth and job security.”
GWF Generators – based in Dundonald – has provided SP Energy Networks with generator hire services over the last four years, pioneering the use of HVO fuel and increasing GWF’s turnover from around £750,000 to £3 million per annum.
It currently employs 23 people from its South Ayrshire base and is committed to opening a satellite depot in the east of the country over the next year to support the delivery of the framework across Edinburgh & the Borders and Central & Fife. It will also be recruiting up to ten additional staff, including opportunities for apprentice electricians and mechanical fitters, helping build the skilled workforce needed to deliver the contract successfully.
Nigel Feeney, Managing Director said: “Knowing we have a secure four-year contract allows us to plan and invest with confidence, giving us the stability to grow the business sustainably, develop our people, and continue delivering a high-quality, reliable service to SP Energy Networks and its customers.
“The future is looking bright as we continue to build a new fleet of ultra-low emission generators, expand our vehicle capacity, establish a new depot on the east coast of Scotland – a new location for us, and recruit additional skilled staff and apprentices. In short, this framework strengthens our foundation, provides tangible opportunities for local people, and enables us to look ahead with ambition.”
Rehlko – formerly WB Power Services – is one of the UK’s leading temporary power providers, employing around 600 people nationwide and operating from key locations across the country. Having worked with SP Electricity North West over a number of years, the firm now plans to invest and strengthen its presence in Scotland and Wrexham to support the broader SP Energy Networks framework.
Richard Betteridge, Hire Sales Director, said: “Our business has a long history of delivering temporary power solutions to the UK utility sector, and this framework represents an exciting opportunity to build on that experience. With a proven track record, we help customers reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining the reliability and resilience required to support critical infrastructure.
“As this framework gets underway, we will continue to invest in our people, equipment and regional infrastructure – including strengthening our presence in Scotland and Wales with plans to establish new depots in the central belt and Wrexham to help us create additional capability while delivering the high levels of service our customers expect. We’re excited to get stuck in and support SPEN in delivering these opportunities that will make a long and lasting difference.”
