Formerly known as Scottish and Southern Energy, SSE is the second largest energy supplier in the UK. The company supplies gas and electricity to homes and businesses across the country, and currently has over 10 million customers. SSE is also committed to the development of low-carbon power generation technologies, and is currently the UK’s largest generator of renewable energy. SSE’s energy mix can be broken down as follows:
- Natural Gas 59%
- Coal 29%
- Renewable 10%
- Nuclear 1%
- Other 1%
The SSE Group also owns Southern Electric, Scottish Hydro, Swalec, Atlantic and Northern Irish supplier Airtricity, all of which provide the same products and services. If you sign up to energy supply from the SSE Group, you’ll receive energy from one of these companies, depending on where you live. SSE can also provide customers with telephone and broadband packages, maintenance and insurance for boilers, central heating and electrical wiring, home insulation services and free advice on energy efficiency techniques.
Tariffs for consumers
While many of the UK’s major suppliers provide a vast range of different tariffs, SSE believe that this is often unnecessarily confusing. As such, the company offers four simple tariffs to their customers, all of which cover gas, electricity and dual-fuel supply. You’ll make considerable savings on each tariff if you choose to pay by Direct Debit and sign up for electronic billing.
SSE’s Standard tariff doesn’t tie you into a fixed term contract, and there are no cancellation fees if you decide to switch early. However, SSE guarantees per-unit prices for a set period, and you’ll also get to choose from a number of optional extras, including the company’s iplan online account management service.
Fixed Discount is SSE’s cheapest energy deal, and guarantees that your rates will remain 2% lower than Standard prices, even if the cost of energy goes down. The contract runs for two years, and you’ll be charged a cancellation fee if you decide to switch before the term ends. You’ll get to make use of SSE’s iplan online service, and will also receive a smart energy kit, which can help you reduce consumption and drive down bills even further.
SSE offer two fixed price tariffs, the first of which is called the 2 Year Fixed Price Plan. This packages locks down prices for a two year period, with rates beginning at the same cost as the Standard tariff. As with all SSE tariffs, you’ll receive discounts for e-billing and Direct Debit payment, and can also make use of the company’s iplan online service. However, you’ll be charged a cancellation fee if you decide to move on before the end of the contract.
Finally, SSE offer a Price Fix tariff, which fixes rates for a three year term. Prices are initially set 4% higher than the standard tariff, but you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that whatever happens in the energy markets, you’ll always pay the same rates for the duration of the contract. Discounts are available for Direct Debit payment and paperless billing, while you’ll be charged a cancellation fee if you leave early. You’ll also be able to make use of SSE’s iplan online service, which can help you manage your energy consumption more efficiently.
Aside from these four tariffs, SSE also cater for pay as you go customers who top up using prepayment meters. You’ll be able to buy credit at any Post Office or retailer displaying the PayPoint logo, while SSE will also lend you emergency credit if you run out unexpectedly.