Representatives from SSE were in Stornoway today (10 November) to discuss ‘National Pricing’ with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Leader Angus Campbell and John Maciver of the Western Isles Poverty Action Group.
Currently, the charges for using networks - the pipes and wires that deliver gas and electricity to people’s homes – vary by region with 14 different charges across Great Britain’s electricity market.
Customers pay this network charge, no matter whether they are with SSE or any other energy supplier, through their energy bills. It's the way the market has been set up to pay for the maintenance of energy networks.
SSE favours replacing this regional variation with one national charge across Great Britain and has raised this with the Competition and Markets Authority and Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.
Greg Clarke from SSE said; "I'd like to thank Council Leader Angus Campbell for taking the time to meet with us today. It was a productive meeting as we agreed to work together to maximise existing measures to help those in fuel poverty living on the Western Isles and both parties agreed to consider what more could be done to help the residents of the Western Isles.
“The problem of National Pricing was also discussed as it isn’t just a problem for the Western Isles, it affects customers of all suppliers across the whole of the North of Scotland and the rest of Great Britain.
“Our proposal of a national approach to the pricing of electricity and gas would mean that a people living in Benbecula, Bristol or Bradford, would pay the same networks charge. The vital networks upgrade work would be funded, but the costs would be spread across all electricity customers.
“There has already been some good progress towards National Pricing in both the Scottish and UK Parliaments but SSE will continue to fight hard for what we feel is a fairer way of splitting the important network charges. We would encourage Council Leader Angus Campbell and the wider community to join us in our calls for National Pricing to be implemented and we’re looking forward to continued productive discussions.”
In addition to the discussions on National Pricing, SSE ran an event at its shop in Stornoway for customers of all suppliers to help them reduce energy costs. Information on offer included referrals for financial rebates, such as the government’s Warm Home Discount scheme and tailor-made energy efficiency advice.
"We know affordability is customers' number one concern - that's why we've frozen our standard energy prices to at least Jan 2016, giving people peace of mind through this winter and into the next that their prices won't rise,” Greg added.
"Last year we helped over 300,000 of our vulnerable customers with electricity rebates, debt relief and benefit entitlement checks to secure additional income for households. We would urge any customer worried about their energy bills to get in touch by calling 0800 300 111 and we will help.”