Ofgem today launches its Be an Energy Shopper campaign aimed at helping customers understand what to look out for in their energy supplier. Will Morris, Managing Director of Retail, explains why SSE is right behind it.
Customers may think their supplier wouldn't want them to shop around, but healthy competition only makes us more determined to offer the best possible service.
We want customers to be empowered when they choose their energy supplier. Of course I want them to choose an SSE brand; Scottish Hydro, Southern Electric, SWALEC or Airtricity. That’s why we work hard to offer customers the best customer service, simple, affordable tariffs and the benefits you would expect with being part of one of the UK’s largest energy firms.
There are three areas that I think it’s important customers consider; our prices, our promises and our rewards. I want SSE to stand out in all three.
Our Prices
Value for money is important to everyone, and 81% of customers told us they were worried about energy price rises in the next two years. Customers deserve the best service at the best price. That’s why we’ve promised to freeze prices until at least 2016 - the longest ever unconditional domestic energy price freeze - giving our customers unrivalled peace of mind.
We offer clear, simple tariffs and bills which highlight the cheapest SSE deal available – ensuring customers are aware of their costs, their usage and any savings they could make.
We’ve also committed to driving down costs further. Indeed we are leading the industry in urging the Government to also go a step further and remove taxes from bills completely, to keep bills lower for longer and ensure government policies are paid for fairly.
Our Promises
Customer service is at the heart of what we do and we pride ourselves on our award-winning customer service. Our Customer Service Guarantee gives money back if we don’t meet our unique set of service promises, like calling you back when we say we will or offering to find ways to save you money on every call. Similarly our Sales Guarantee gives customers peace of mind when they buy from SSE. We were also the first energy firm to promise an end to cold calling.
But don’t just take our word for it. We’ve been named Best for Customer Service by uSwitch for the 8th year in a row and regularly top the Consumer Futures’ Energy Supplier Performance Report. These accolates show when we make promises, we keep them.
Our Rewards
Our SSE Reward programme stands out in the industry. We’re the only energy company that gives its customers early access to some of the most in-demand events in the UK at The SSE Hydro and The SSE Arena Wembley.
SSE Reward gives customers access to tickets 48 hours in advance as well as exclusive lounge upgrades and other benefits. Not to mention the chance to attend some of the best sporting events, including the Commonwealth Games.
I’m confident SSE is offering its customers excellent service, tariffs and rewards and we’ll continue to look at ways we can deliver more. Shopping for energy may not feel as exciting as hunting for a new car or clothes, but as we work with Ofgem to arm customers with clear, simple information, I hope they’ll make an informed choice that SSE is the provider for them.