A MAJOR electricity supplier in the Midlands has announced plans to cut its workforce.

The move will mean 230 jobs will be lost at Aquila Networks, which distributes electricity to homes and businesses across the region.

The company does not, however, plan to close any of its offices or depots, as the cuts will come from across the board.

"The plans are to restructure the company to improve efficiency and ensure the delivery of improved customer service," said Don Bacon, Aquila Networks chief executive.

"As a result of the reorganisation, 230 workers will be made redundant from the 3,700 Midlands workforce by the end of 2002.

"The cuts will not be in any one particular area and as such the company does not plan to close any of its offices or depots in the Midlands."

Aquila Networks bought GPU Power in May 2002, which, in turn, had bought the Midlands Electricity Board (MEB) in 1996.

It is Britain's fourth largest regional electricity company, with a 63,000km distribution network, serving 2.3 million premises across the Midlands.

The company will cut costs to remain competitive with other distribution network operators.

"The economic and regulatory environment in which we operate is ever changing and we have to take the actions necessary to respond to these changes and the demands of the marketplace," said Mr Bacon.

"It saddens me to talk about losing fellow colleagues, but this is unavoidable if we are to secure the long-term success of the business.

"These cuts will not detract from customer service or safety.

"In fact, we plan to use this reorganisation as an opportunity to increase the focus on customer service and safety throughout the organisation."

He said the company was optimistic the redundancies would be achieved voluntarily.