Havant MP, David Willetts, visited SSE this week to find out how the company is helping its customers get ready for winter.
Mr Willetts spent the day at the company’s customer services centre in Portsmouth speaking directly to employees about the support and advice they provide customers ahead of and during the winter months.
A major employer in the Portsmouth area, SSE employs around 2,500 customer service advisors who provide a range of assistance to customers, from helping with account enquiries and giving energy efficiency advice through to offering financial support.
The centre handles around 4 million calls a year and has a team dedicated to supporting vulnerable customers which includes the elderly, disabled, those on a low income or who have a long term illness.
Tony Keeling, SSE’s Director of Customer Service, accompanied Mr Willetts during the visit. He said: “It was great to have the opportunity to show Mr Willetts our customer service centre, introduce him to our front-line advisors, and explain some of the work we are doing to ensure we provide all our customers with the support and advice they need this coming winter.
“We can help customers find ways to save money and use less energy, receive rebates off their electricity bill and access additional income. We’ll also encourage vulnerable customers to join our Priority Services Register so we can provide extra support.
“Our close work with partners including Citizens Advice, National Energy Action and Macmillan Cancer Support also ensures we are able to deliver an effective winter support service.
“No-one should be worrying about heating their home and I ask any customer concerned to get in touch with us and we’ll find ways to help them.”
David Willetts MP for Havant, added: “In winter, it’s particularly important that consumers receive extra help from their energy provider and it was encouraging to hear about the preparation and hard work undertaken at SSE to help their customers throughout this period”
Last year SSE helped over 300,000 customers receive additional support including electricity rebates, debt relief and income via its Benefit Entitlement Check service. Over 12,000 called its dedicated EnergyLine which provides energy efficiency advice and over 150,000 energy efficiency measures have been installed through the Energy Company Obligation.
Customers looking for help can call SSE on 0800 072 7201 or visit www.sse.co.uk
Three simple steps to get ready for winter
No matter what energy supplier you’re with, its worth doing this quick check.
1) Ensure your energy account is in top shape – you can check you are on the best tariff for you and on the best payment plan (for example getting discounts by paying by direct debit or by going paperless). Also remember to send accurate meter readings so you know your usage and you can monitor your energy use.
2) Find out what simple things you can do to make your home warmer – Although a recent SSE and YouGov poll found that many people don’t know what the biggest energy efficiency measure is to reduce their bills, it’s worth making yourself aware of both the small and big changes that can make a difference. This can range from draught excluders that can save up to £30 a year to boiler replacements potentially saving as much as £305 a year.
3) Find out any assistance you can receive to help lower your bills. There’s financial support available through the government’s Warm Home Discount scheme and free or discounted energy efficiency measures via the Energy Company Obligation.