SSE Energy Company Profile

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Company History

SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy) is a Scottish-registered energy company and is the second largest energy supplier in the UK. It all started in 1943 when Scotland Hydro Electric was formed as part of the Hydro Electric Development Act, and it was the first company to deliver electricity to the Scottish Highlands. Scotland Hydro Electric played an important role, working over rugged terrain, the newly built power stations and hydro dams enhanced the lives of many Scots.
Further south, Southern Electric was formed in 1948 to supply electricity to the south of England. In 1998, the merger of Scottish Hydro Electric and Southern Electric created the brand SSE as it is today.

With a focus on renewable energy, in 2008, SSE purchased Airtricity, renaming is SSE Airtricity, a wind farm business based in Ireland. This doubled the renewables capacity SSE had to become the largest operator in the UK.

Brief Overview of SSE Today

Currently trading on the London Stock Exchange, SSE is the largest producer of renewable energy in the UK. With a view on a net-zero world, SSE sold their GB electricity supply business to Ovo Energy in 2020. SSE has also been listed as a major partner for COP26 as part of a worldwide initiative from the UN on climate change. There is a plan from SSE to become the leading energy supplier in a low carbon world. With goals in place, SSE is putting sustainability at the forefront of their company. By 2030, SSE is working on cutting down on carbon intensity by 60%, supplying 10m electric vehicles, increasing their renewable energy output by treble and leading a change in fair tax and living wages. Being the only FTSE100 company achieving accreditation for five years, SSE led the way.
With annual revenue of £6.8 billion in 2020, SSE is classed as one of the ‘Big Six’ in the UK.

Map of Business and SSE In the UK

Currently operating across the UK, with over 2.9 million customers, Central Southern England is the largest area of the two supply networks for SSE. The second largest being Northern Scotland with over 740,000 customers, covering a quarter of the UK landmass. With Scotland being so vast, it produced a unique challenge for the energy supplier, with places such as the Orkney Islands and the Outer Hebrides, over 100 subsea cable links were needed. 

SSE Supply Area in Northern Scotland
SSE Supply Area in Northern Scotland
SSE Supply Area in Southern England
SSE Supply Area in Southern England

Products and Services

SSE plc is one of the UK’s biggest companies in distributing energy. With a new focus on renewable energy and a plan for 2030 carbon free energy, we may see a change in the following sales breakdown:

– electricity and gas distribution (52.4%)
– management of the electricity distribution network (11.5%)
– renewable and thermal energies generation (9.8%)
– electricity transmission (5.6%)
– gas storage (0.1%);
– other, such as the installation of electrical equipment, security systems and thermal insulation (20.6%)

Domestic Electricity and Gas Market Share

As of 2020, SSE sold their domestic division to OVO energy. In Q4 back in 2019, they held a solid 12.10%. This is surprising as SSE holds the best record for complaints resolved in 24 hours. In the wholesale electricity generation market, SSE reported a share of 7%. For domestic gas, SSE held a market share of 9.4% back in Q4 2019.

Subsidiaries

SSE plc owns ten subsidiaries according to official listings. The table below lists the date and company name, along with deal sizes for four of the subsidiaries.

Company NameDateDeal Size
The Energy Solutions Group Topco LtdJuly 31, 2014£66 m
Endesa Ireland LtdJune 15, 2012 
Aquamarine Power LtdNovember 24, 2010 
ESB Contracts LtdNovember 01, 2009 
Uskmouth PowerAugust 13, 2009£27 m
Seeboard Trading LtdFebruary 29, 2008 
SSE Airtricity Inc.January 05, 2008£1.10 b
AtlanticApril 28, 2004£90.70 m
SSE Medway Operations LtdOctober 03, 2003 
SWALECAugust 07, 2000£210 m

SSE Executive Committee

Listed on the SSE website is their executive committee. SSE has a strong vision of becoming a gender-balanced company, with a current 36% female and 64% male split. In 2019 it was announced that at a minimum of 33% female membership to be preserved over a three-year period. Below is a list of the executive committee, each with a unique and diverse background, helping to steer the company in a sustainable and renewable future.

Richard Gillingwater – Chairman

Richard Gillingwater

With over 20 years of extensive leadership experience, Richard Gillingwater has expert knowledge of capital markets and financial expertise. With a guide to the long-term future of renewable energy, he has developed incredible knowledge of the energy sector and how SSE visions the energy market.

Martin Pibworth – Energy Director

Martin Pibworth

Joining in 1998, Martin Pibworth started out as an energy trader. Following roles in commercial, in 2014 Martin Pibworth became managing director, leading SSE’s electricity generation. Martin Pibworth has a huge role in the ever-growing renewable energy plan, as in 2017 he became energy director.

Sally Fairbairn – Company Secretary and Director of Investor Relations

Sally Fairbairn

Sally Fairbairn joined the SSE team back in 1997 as an accountant. After forming a sound knowledge of the long-term SSE financial model, in 2007 Sally Fairbairn was appointed Director of Investor Relations and Analysis. Improving on investor views, in 2014 she was made Company Secretary and Director of Investor Relations

Alistair Phillips-Davies – Chief Executive

Alistair Phillips-Davies

Since 1997, Alistair Phillips-Davies has been with SSE, creating an understanding and knowledge of the company. With numerous senior roles, he was appointed Chief Executive in 2013. Alistair Phillips-Davies boasts knowledge of the markets in Europe, after previously holding the role of Vice President at Eurelectric.

Gregor Alexander – Finance Director

Gregor Alexander

Another longstanding member of SSE, Gregor Alexander joined the energy firm in 1990. He was announced as Finance Director in 2002 and has been a huge part of SSE’s long-term value and introducing the latest commitment to living wage and fair tax as part of the COP26 scheme.

Social Media and Website

SSE has a dedicated presence online to help provide their customers with numerous ways to stay up to date with the latest news and for contacting the company. Their online media team are available 24 hours a day to assist and guide customers with information. On Twitter, you can find tweets from the company, as well as responses to customers’ requests. You can follow SSE at @SSE for major company updates, or for more of a customer service approach, follow @yoursse. Facebook is another great way to keep up to date with SSE along with Facebook Messenger to ask questions for yourself. You can also message SSE via WhatsApp, very useful for mobile users who may not have social media accounts. Alternatively, you can contact SSE on 0345 026 2658.

SSE news and updates

Shareholders

Capital Research & Management Co. (Global Investors) AS OF 15 SEP 202049.88m4.79%
Mondrian Investment Partners Ltd. AS OF 02 JAN 202144.34m4.26%
The Caisse de dpt et placement du Qubec AS OF 04 JAN 202141.49m3.98%
UBS Asset Management (UK) Ltd. AS OF 31 MAR 202040.22m3.86%
Invesco Advisers, Inc. AS OF 31 MAR 202032.23m3.09%
Norges Bank Investment Management AS OF 02 JAN 202129.63m2.84%
BlackRock Fund Advisors AS OF 02 JAN 202128.97m2.78%
The Vanguard Group, Inc. AS OF 02 JAN 202127.29m2.62%
Royal London Asset Management Ltd. AS OF 02 JAN 202120.72m1.99%
Pictet Asset Management SA AS OF 02 JAN 202118.80m1.80%

Recent News

In 2020, SSE was fined £2.06m not abiding to laws of publishing inside information about the wholesale energy market. This was a message sent to the energy sector and other wholesale companies about following the rules and regulations set by REMIT. The failure of publishing these records in time would have led to significant effects on future wholesale electricity prices.

In more recent news, SSE announced it had reached an agreement to sell of all their interests in gas exploration to Viaro Energy for £120m. This comes as SSE are solely focused on renewable energy and their 2030 target of net-zero emissions. The gas exploration portfolio hosts non-operational equity shares in three regions in the North Sea. A strong move from SSE to show key interests in the future of the planet and their commitment to the COP26 scheme. SSE plan to invest over £7.5bn in a new low-carbon energy scheme before 2030.

Recent SSE Trends

SSE, or Scottish and Southern Energy, has been making positive strides in the energy industry with several recent news stories highlighting their commitment to renewable energy, customer satisfaction, and community initiatives. Here are some of SSE’s most recent positive news stories:

  1. Renewable Energy Investments: SSE has been actively investing in renewable energy projects to support the transition to a low-carbon future. They have developed wind farms, hydroelectric power stations, and other renewable energy projects across the UK. SSE’s commitment to clean energy helps reduce carbon emissions and contributes to the country’s renewable energy targets.
  2. Customer Satisfaction: SSE places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and has received positive feedback from its customers. Through their customer-centric approach, SSE strives to provide reliable energy supply, transparent billing, and excellent customer service. Their efforts to address customer needs have resulted in high customer satisfaction ratings.
  3. Community Engagement: SSE is actively involved in community engagement initiatives. They support local community projects, invest in education programs, and work towards improving the quality of life in the areas they serve. SSE’s community-focused approach fosters positive relationships with the communities they operate in and contributes to local development.
  4. Net Zero Commitment: SSE has made a commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. They have outlined a clear decarbonization plan and are actively working towards reducing their carbon footprint. SSE’s efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources and invest in renewable technologies align with the global goal of combating climate change.
  5. Energy Efficiency Programs: SSE offers energy efficiency programs to help customers reduce their energy consumption and save money. Through initiatives such as smart meter installations, energy audits, and advice on energy-saving measures, SSE helps customers make informed choices about their energy usage and reduce their environmental impact.

Key Financial Data

Based on the findings of the 2019/20 report, SSE made over £7bn in revenue with a gross profit of £1.5bn. The revenue is a huge difference from the previous year of over £27bn. With net sales at £6bn, compared to over £29bn the previous year, you can see there has been a massive difference. Predictions expect a slow rise over the next few years, rising to just over £7bn in 2022. There was also a net margin of –0.87% in 2020 from 4.7% in 2019. With SSE preparing to become one of the largest players in renewable energy, we could see more customers opting for cleaner energy after a recent sale of their gas interests.

Commercial Sponsorship

Here are some notable examples of the teams and organizations that SSE sponsors and supports:

  1. Sports Partnerships: SSE has a strong presence in sports sponsorship, particularly in football and rugby. They have been the title sponsor of the Scottish Women’s Football League, supporting the development of women’s football in Scotland. SSE also sponsors the SSE Arena Belfast, a popular venue for ice hockey and basketball events.
  2. Community Initiatives: SSE is dedicated to supporting local communities and invests in initiatives that benefit the areas they operate in. They have partnerships with organizations like The SSE Arena Wembley and The SSE Hydro in Glasgow, which host a wide range of events and contribute to the local economy. SSE also collaborates with community organizations to deliver projects focused on education, environment, and social welfare.
  3. Renewable Energy Innovation: SSE supports and collaborates with organizations involved in renewable energy research and innovation. They work with universities, research institutes, and industry bodies to advance technologies and find solutions for a sustainable energy future. SSE’s partnerships in this domain help drive innovation and support the growth of the renewable energy sector.
  4. Arts and Culture: SSE recognizes the importance of arts and culture in enriching communities. They sponsor and support various cultural events, festivals, and venues, promoting access to the arts for all. SSE’s contributions in this area contribute to the cultural vibrancy of the regions they operate in.
  5. Charity Partnerships: SSE has longstanding partnerships with charitable organizations, including their partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support. Through fundraising initiatives and employee volunteering, SSE supports charitable causes and helps make a positive impact on society.

What Does The Future Hold For SSE

Notably, SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy) is well-positioned for the future with a focus on renewable energy, customer satisfaction, and innovation. Here’s a look at what the future holds for SSE:

  1. Renewable Energy Transition: SSE is committed to the transition to clean and renewable energy sources. As the demand for renewable energy continues to grow, SSE is investing in wind, hydro, and other renewable energy projects to reduce carbon emissions and support the UK’s net-zero goals. SSE will continue to expand its renewable energy portfolio and develop innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
  2. Net-Zero Emissions: SSE has set a target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across its operations by 2050. This means adopting cleaner technologies, increasing renewable energy generation, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. SSE’s commitment to sustainability aligns with the global effort to combat climate change and create a greener future.
  3. Customer-Centric Approach: SSE prioritizes customer satisfaction and aims to provide excellent service. They offer a range of energy solutions tailored to meet customer needs, including renewable energy tariffs, energy efficiency programs, and digital customer service options. SSE will continue to enhance customer experience by leveraging technology and ensuring transparency in billing and communication.
  4. Innovation and Technology: SSE recognizes the importance of innovation in the energy industry. They are actively exploring new technologies and solutions to improve energy generation, storage, and distribution. SSE’s focus on innovation includes smart grids, battery storage, electric vehicle infrastructure, and demand response programs. By embracing emerging technologies, SSE aims to deliver efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions.
  5. Community Engagement: SSE remains committed to engaging with the communities it serves. They support local economic development, invest in community projects, and work closely with stakeholders to address their needs and concerns. SSE’s involvement in community initiatives helps build strong relationships and ensures the company’s operations are aligned with local interests.

Summary

SSE could be an energy provider to keep an eye on in the near future. Currently sat as the second largest provider in the UK and with aims of becoming carbon free by 2030, you may see more customers joining the race for zero emissions. If other companies don’t follow suit, SSE could be getting an early leg up on the competition. With intentions being clearly made by selling their gas interests, SSE has put a bold claim for their future ambitions an