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Winds of change

15 Jan 2020
APD-21

Today’s sale of our domestic retail business serving Great Britain marks a major milestone in SSE’s history, but most importantly will help shape SSE’s future at the vanguard of developing the low-carbon assets and infrastructure needed to reach net zero carbon emissions.  

This business was born out of supplying gas and electricity to customers but just as the energy industry has changed considerably, so too has SSE.

For over a decade now we have been heavily investing in the much-needed renewable power which is the backbone of the UK’s efforts to decarbonise and reduce polluting emissions.

From onshore wind farms in the north of Scotland to building the world’s largest offshore wind farm off the coast of Yorkshire at Dogger Bank, SSE has expanded to become one of the UK and Ireland’s largest renewable developers. We have an enviable growth pipeline in offshore and onshore wind.

At the same time, our electricity networks have been investing in the pylons and wires transporting renewable energy, from the wettest, windiest and sunniest parts of Britain to power millions of homes and businesses across the country. Our Transmission business has a strong business plan and our Distribution business has a huge role to play in the electrification of the economy.

And we have grown a range of complementary businesses which will help the transition to net zero by 2050. From low carbon thermal to Enterprise and our Customer Solutions businesses, we have a range of growth options for the future.

Ultimately, at SSE our strategic focus is now on developing, building and maintaining low carbon assets and infrastructure and that’s why it’s made sense now for our domestic retail business in Britain to go from strength to strength in new hands, where the core focus is on retailing.  

SSE’s Energy Services business has provided high-quality customer service for over five million customers, winning plaudits and awards for putting customers first - not just in supplying gas and electricity but providing boiler care services and telecommunications.

The sale to OVO, a company with a strong reputation for customer service and innovation, is the right thing for customers and employees and will allow that business to continue to evolve in the years ahead.

We wish the new business well and I want to pay tribute to the 8,000 employees that delivered for customers every single day and also made such a great contribution to SSE over the years.

For SSE, our core purpose in the years ahead is clear. We are providing the energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow.

We’re at the heart of tackling climate change, taking the actions needed to deliver a better world of energy. The future is net zero, and we are at the forefront of investing in the assets and infrastructure which are truly delivering climate action.

Change is inevitable – and vital – in any company that wants to keep pace with the world around it.

The finalisation of this deal today sees two strong British based energy firms grow and evolve in their respective markets, and which will continue to support the UK and Ireland’s energy sectors for decades to come.