Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution has today (March 27) launched A Fair Energy Future' which sets out the distribution network operator's plan to protect consumers from being unfairly disadvantaged as we move towards the net zero energy system.
SSEN is at the forefront of enabling net zero, operating the electricity network infrastructure that will facilitate new forms of heating, battery storage and the impact of more electric vehicles.
A Fair Energy Future details the partnerships and innovation projects SSEN has undertaken to explore and understand the new energy challenges that consumers will face in the next two decades with technology rapidly advancing, and high carbon heating and transport being phased out.
In addressing these critical issues, SSEN has created an action plan for delivering a just transition for energy consumers with 10 commitments it will progress alongside further recommendations for the energy industry and policy makers to help unlock the benefits of net zero for all consumers.
This report is part of SSE plc's wider Just Transition Strategy, the first of its kind in the industry, which considers all aspects of achieving fairness in the future energy system - for workers, consumers, suppliers, and communities. It also builds on the sector-leading Smart and Fair project, which helped define the capabilities of energy consumers to benefit from the transition.
Chris Burchell, Managing Director of SSEN Distribution, said:
"In our role as electricity network operator for the north of Scotland and central southern England, we work closely with the communities we serve and firmly believe that we have a responsibility to support consumers to take part in the net zero revolution and the many benefits it will bring. This is not only critical to tackle the climate emergency, but also to help domestic households and businesses to flex their energy use and reduce bills.
"The ongoing cost of living crisis has escalated our interventions to tackle fuel poverty in the here and now, and as we look towards the future, it has also raised our focus on the societal disparities that mean some people stand to benefit from the net zero energy system and others will not - unless definitive action is taken.
"This needs to be a collaborative effort from across the energy industry and beyond. A Fair Energy Future is our initial proposal for confronting these issues head on and enacting real change for energy consumers."
Maxine Frerk, Director at Grid Edge Policy and Associate at Sustainability First, added:
"I am delighted to be part of this event on how we deliver a Just Transition. It's a big challenge as we look to decarbonise heat and transport when many households are struggling with energy bills today. I see SSEN leading the thinking but with lots more for us all to do going forward."
SSEN has committed to direct support for 50,000 households in fuel poverty over the next five years and has a package of innovation projects underway to find ways of embedding fairness and energy equality for consumers going forward. One such project is The Vulnerability Future Energy Scenarios (VFES). This pioneering mapping tool will identify consumers in vulnerable positions and forecast how those communities and their needs may change in the transition to net zero.
SSEN will be engaging with consumer groups and industry partners on their A Fair Energy Future action plan which is focused around four key themes: Education and Collaborative Action, Equal Access to Infrastructure and Services, Supporting Remote and Rural Communities, and Tackling Emerging Vulnerabilities.
Read the full report, A Fair Energy Future: Unlocking a just transition for consumers, here.
ABOUT SSEN
- Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution is the electricity distribution arm of the FTSE-50 energy company, SSE. We serve over 3.8 million customers across the diverse and unique geographies of the north of Scotland, and central southern England.
- Our role has never been more important. The communities we serve depend on us to deliver a safe, reliable supply of electricity to their homes and businesses so they can thrive today. And for us to deliver the infrastructure to create a net zero tomorrow. To do this we're inspired every day by our vision to be powering change with every connection'.
- For further information please contact SSEN's Media Team: 0345 0760 530
