SSE responds to Ofgem's final decision to refer the GB energy market to the Competition and Markets Authority

Responding to today's announcement by Ofgem to refer the GB energy market to the Competition and Markets Authority, Alistair Phillips-Davies, Chief Executive of SSE, said:

"SSE operates only in the UK and Ireland, so we need the competitive Great Britain energy market to have the trust of customers and investors. This reference will be an important opportunity to demonstrate the competitiveness of the energy market, address any issues of public concern and deliver good outcomes for consumers and a stable framework for investors. Throughout the reference SSE has an appetite for reform that is in the interests of customers and competition generally, as demonstrated by our price freeze until 2016".

SSE has previously proposed five principles to make sure that the market reference delivers for all stakeholders. These are as follows:

• Get the scope right - so it is broad enough to restore trust in the competitive markets.
• Focus on all energy customers - so what they pay for is defined and transparent.
• Create simple markets - which encourage new entrants and enable different business models to thrive.
• Establish clear measures of success in advance - so people can see objectively how the market is performing.
• Achieve lasting results - so there is a clear and enduring framework that gives customers confidence, allows regulators to regulate and encourages investors to invest in the GB energy market.

SSE will be reviewing Ofgem’s reference decision in the coming days and will obviously fully assist the CMA during this reference.