Contact newsdesk on:  info@hebridesnews.co.uk

Classified adverts   I   Jobs                               

 Local Services     

 

Hebrides News

Energy firm SSE has been criticised for not slashing electricity prices while banking a huge rise in profits.

 

The utility company announced it made pre-tax profits of £549 million in the last six months - a 48% rise on the same period in 2014.

 

The increase follows a wet and windier summer in Scotland and Ireland.

 

SSE has seen more output from renewable energy generation, increased cost efficiencies plus additional business customers.

 

Wholesale electricity prices have fallen this year but households still face large bills.

 

Angus McCormack, chair of the Western Isles Poverty Action Group, called for SSE to answer before the House of Commons Energy Committee.

 

He said: “It is completely unacceptable that 71% of people in the Western Isles are in fuel poverty over yet another winter, while SSE shareholders receive healthy dividends.

 

"The UK Government has asked SSE to reduce its prices as one of the Big 6 Energy companies but so far SSE appear to have failed to respond."

 

The firm said the recent results are only "half the story" and has "invested substantially" in improving the energy network.

 

It said made under £5 profit per dual fuel customer.

 

Overall, it expects to make less profit in energy supply over the full year than in 2014  

 

 

 

 

SSE slammed over 48% profits surge

 

16 November 2015