259994 Phoenix Energy Responsible Business Report 2025.pdf

Responsible Business Report 2025

Foreword from our CEO

The energy sector is now at an important phase of transition globally, as it seeks to evolve our current energy systems to deliver lower carbon emissions, reinforce regional energy security and protect the needs of all consumers. Whilst the complexity of this challenge at a global level should not be understated, our regional landscape presents us with as many opportunities as it does challenges. Phoenix Energy are actively embracing these opportunities and relishing the opportunity to work with likeminded partners across many different sectors to develop practical decarbonisation solutions that will serve the current and future needs of NI energy users. In 2024 continued investment in research and development projects to help support regional policy development was a key focus. One of the highlights during the year was the successful installation of a number of hybrid heating systems across our customer base, taking established technology being rolled out at scale across Europe, and piloting these in a local setting. The initial results from these installations very much support the considerable consumer and system value associated with an increased level of integration across our gas and electricity assets locally. Whilst our business is increasingly focused on supporting regional net zero ambitions, our core vision remains “being recognised for excellence as a world leading energy utility” . A central pillar to this vision is the delivery of our business objectives in a socially responsible manner, that recognises the needs of the c.260,000 homes and businesses that are connected to the Phoenix Network, seeks to enrich our communities through effective community partnerships and provides both industry and business leadership to emerging marketplace needs. Delivering a high performing Responsible Business programme is very much embedded into our business culture across a number of established workplace initiatives, however the sheer scale of outcomes captured in this report are only made possible by the extent to which colleagues and likeminded partners are committed to the delivery of positive outcomes. As you will see in this report, the scope of responsible business activity stretches across every aspect of our business, from how we carry out reinforcement construction works across our network, engage with stakeholders and invest in our staff. which our people can deliver economic, social, and environmental value to the communities we serve. I am immensely proud to be part of a business that continually strives to enhance our responsible business credentials. By doing so, we hope to create an excellent working environment that establishes a platform from

Our commitment to providing an inclusive service that best serves all consumer needs was recognised through the award of the Consumer Vulnerability ISO 22458 accreditation in September 2024. A considerable amount of work has been advanced in this space, led by our internal vulnerability champions and I am pleased that we continue to set new benchmarks in this area. In 2024 we constructed over 9km of reinforcement works on our pipe network across several main arterial routes close to Belfast City Centre, a project that was essential to maintaining a resilient supply of gas across the city and neighbouring towns. Whilst such works have the potential to inconvenience residents and commuters, I am pleased that our commitment to minimise disruption during these projects was delivered by the efficiency of the construction works coupled with an extensive communications campaign that was helpfully supported by local stakeholder organisations. In 2024 Phoenix Staff chose the Air Ambulance as the business charity of the year, with the combined efforts of many across the business helping to fundraise over £10,000 for this wonderful cause whilst also having a lot of fun through fundraising initiatives along the way. Our commitment to excellence in responsible business continues to be recognised both by peers and external accreditation bodies locally and internationally. In 2024 Phoenix were once again awarded a 5-star rating GRESB Infrastructure Asset Benchmark Report. We also retained the Platinum award for Environmental Benchmarking through Business in the Community, achieved a silver award in the first year of applying for the Business in the Community Biodiversity Charter and were certified as a Great Place to Work following an independent internal engagement survey. I would like to thank all those organisations, public representatives and stakeholder partners who have supported the Phoenix Energy Responsible Business programme in 2024. We value long term partnerships and look forward to working with many of you in 2025, whilst remaining agile in our business delivery to respond to emerging societal needs. Kailash Chada Chief Executive Officer

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