In 2000, the MEA successfully commissioned the longest AC subsea cable in the world from the Isle of Man to Bispham near Blackpool. Over the last decade, the MEA generation, distribution and energy services teams have been continuously improving the cable's performance and in so doing have benefitted the Island by around ?4m a year. In addition, the separate fibre-optic cable, which is laid alongside the electricity interconnector, is operated by MEA's subsidiary, e-llan Communications to support telecommunications and e-businesses on the Island, helping to develop this vital sector of the Manx Economy. Chief Executive, Phil King said, “The success of this strategic asset is a credit to the innovative, diligent and customer focused approach of our 24/7 team. Their work has brought together diverse expertise across the MEA, resulting in security of supply performance better than any of the 14 UK network operators.” Chairman, Quintin Gill said, “I am proud to say the subsea cable in combination with the Authority's modern power infrastructure has enabled staff at the MEA to provide a high level of electricity security for the Isle of Man to support the economy and the community we serve.” The subsea cable came ashore at Port Skillion Douglas in 2000 and is run across Douglas Head and into a building on South Quay, which originally housed the first power station for electricity supply on the Island in 1923. The cable travels for approximately 100 kilometres and weighs around 5,000 tonnes. Ends