Networks
SSE has an ownership interest in five of Great Britain's electricity and gas networks. Energy (electricity and gas) transmission and distribution companies like these are natural monopolies, serving defined geographical areas. In Great Britain, they are subject to economic regulation through a price control set by Ofgem.
It is anticipated that the UK will need to invest significantly in its networks between now and 2020 in order to upgrade and extend the current system and adapt to changes such as:
- the increase in the number of renewable and decentralised sources of energy needing access to the grid;
- the introduction of smart meters and electric vehicles; and
- the development of an offshore electricity grid.
The government is examining several areas in order to meet these challenges including offshore transmission and electric vehicles.