SSE Airtricity is the second largest provider of energy and related services in Ireland (ROI) and Northern Ireland (NI), and the only energy supply brand to operate in all of the competitive gas and electricity markets across the island. At 30 September 2016, SSE Airtricity supplied electricity and natural gas to 0.79 million household and business customer accounts in ROI and NI, representing a 17% share of the total combined gas and electricity markets in which it operates.
While market conditions remain highly competitive in both markets, SSE Airtricity is seeing a return to growth, in particular in ROI where internet comparison sites are emerging as a popular consumer channel. In NI’s regulated natural gas market in Greater Belfast, where SSE Airtricity is the incumbent supplier, the company is continuing to show modest growth. SSE Airtricity has continued to enhance its customer service offering for both domestic and business customers and, in line with its commitment to being a ‘digital-first’ supplier, a dedicated Digital Services team has been established to manage several new digital service channels, including webchat, online forums and social media. These digital channels now account for 15% of all inbound customer contacts.
In NI, SSE Airtricity reduced its regulated natural gas prices by 10% from 1 April 2016, and its household electricity prices by the same level from 1 June 2016. In ROI, the company reduced both its electricity and natural gas prices by 5% with effect from 1 August 2016.