SSE recently commissioned YouGov to ask the public to identify their number one household expenditure concern.* An overwhelming seven out of ten consumers said energy.
The message from consumers is loud and clear – with increased pressures on household budgets, energy affordability is of paramount importance.
That is why SSE took the decision to freeze its energy prices until at least 2016, the longest ever freeze in the British energy market.
This action will make a real difference to our customers, but we have to do more to reduce the costs of energy and SSE can't do this on its own.
That's why SSE supports the calls from Which? to ensure that the smart meter roll-out is done cost-effectively and, as a charge paid for by consumers through their energy bills, the costs are monitored closely.
SSE supports smart meters and acknowledges that, once they're in homes, they can help people to reduce their usage and will end estimated bills - which we know consumers get annoyed about.
Yet, at a total cost of £11bn smart metering is an expensive programme; and although energy suppliers must install a smart meter in every home by 2020 under government plans, according to the YouGov poll only 50% of people are currently interested in having one. In addition, only 50% wanted the in-home display which is mandatory for all customers in the Government's current plans. Therefore, the proposals put forward by Which? are welcomed and we now need industry and Government to ensure it is doing all it can to deliver cost-effectively for customers.
*YouGov polled a total sample of 2,400 UK adults through online interviews undertaken between 12-17 September 2014. The figures have been weighted and are representative of the UK