Ammanford’s Steve Edwards is celebrating after clocking up an impressive 25 years of service in the gas industry.

Steve, who works for gas emergency and pipeline service Wales & West Utilities, left Swansea University in 1992 to become a Finance Graduate in the gas industry. Since then he’s followed a varied career path working across the UK. 

Steve came back to Wales and was heavily involved with the setting up of Wales & West Utilities in 2005. In 2016 he became Director of Regulation & Commercial at the company – leading the team who work with energy suppliers and liaise closely with the energy regulator, Ofgem.  

Steve said:

“I’m really proud to reach my 25th year in the gas industry. From working at our predecessor companies to being involved in the setting up of Wales & West Utilities, every day has brought challenges. But it’s great to work for a company that is recognised as delivering outstanding service to the communities it serves with an outstanding record of safety for customers and colleagues alike.”

Steve is to become the President of IGEM next May and last year won an Outstanding Contribution Award from the body after being recognised for his positive influence in the energy sector over the last two decades, including his lead role in the development of the industry’s fuel poor scheme as well as his commitment to championing the role of gas and gas networks in a future secure, affordable and green energy system.

Graham Edwards, Wales & West Utilities Chief Executive, added:

“I’d like to congratulate Steve on achieving this significant career milestone. He’s dedicated to playing a leading role in our industry and we are proud to have him as part of our leadership team.”

Wales & West Utilities was recently re-accredited by the Institute of Customer Service (ICS) as achieving its ServiceMark with Distinction. The company has successfully demonstrated meeting the demanding national customer service standard, scoring considerably higher than the utility sector benchmark and more than sector leading companies like Amazon and John Lewis.

The company has recently won its fourth consecutive gold award at the RoSPA Health and Safety Awards 2017 and is also the first gas network to have been recognised for meeting requirements, in line with the exacting British Standard 18477, for its work to help the most vulnerable.

Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service that serves Wales and the south west of England, puts customers at the heart of the business and is rated the top utility company in the UK for customer service. If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night. 

 

The company also has a multi-million pound, 30-year gas pipe investment programme which began in 2002. Old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being replaced with new long-lasting plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years, to make sure homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply now and in the future.