Member Article

Two year deal boost for Blackpool illuminations

Blackpool’s world famous Illuminations will be powered by BES Commercial Electricity for the next two years, thanks to a deal agreed between the company and the borough council.

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.

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.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .