We have an important role in supporting economic development of the countries, regions and communities in which we operate.

This perspective looks at how much of a contribution we have made during 2008/09:

• Over £3,200 million invested in new assets during 2008/09
• Over the past five years, ordinary dividends per share have grown by 80.2%, from 19.78p for 2003/04 to 35.64p for 2008/09
• We continue to invest in our Isle of Grain LNG importation terminal; by 2010, it will have the capacity to import 14.8 million tonnes per annum, around 20% of the UK’s forecast gas demand.
• Exploring carbon capture and storage – a technology that transports carbon dioxide emissions from power stations to depleted gas fields under the North Sea
• $57 million planned investment in smart grid pilot involving approximately 15,000 customers in Massachusetts