In response to Ofgem's statement on credit balances, a spokesperson for SSE said:
"We take all reasonable steps to find customers and return any credit balances to them. Where we know bank details or a forwarding address, we'll return the money automatically when an account is closed.
"Although sometimes customers do disappear and cannot be traced, we always view any credit as theirs and, no matter how much time passes, if they come forward and we can identify an outstanding credit, we will return it to them.
"We're happy to work with anyone who has legitimate suggestions for how we can find customers more easily and efficiently.
"However, the reality is that the bad debt we have had to write off in recent years is about four times the amount of credit that couldn't be returned, so this is not a situation that benefits us."
Customers who believe they have an outstanding credit with SSE or our supply brands (Southern Electric, Scottish Hydro, SWALEC & Atlantic) should call 0800 975 1662.