SSE Energy – Scottish and Southern Energy
SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy) was one of the UK's largest energy suppliers, offering gas and electricity to millions of homes and businesses across the country. In 2020, SSE's residential energy services were officially acquired by OVO Energy, completing a major shift in the UK energy market.
Who Was SSE?
Founded through the merger of Scottish Hydro and Southern Electric, SSE served households across the UK for over two decades. The company was known for its traditional customer service, wide tariff options, and long-standing presence in the energy industry. SSE also owned and operated part of the UK’s electricity distribution infrastructure in Scotland and the South of England.
SSE’s Transition to OVO Energy
In January 2020, OVO Energy completed its £500 million acquisition of SSE’s retail energy business. This included all domestic gas and electricity customers, who were gradually migrated to OVO's modern digital platform. While SSE no longer offers new tariffs, many legacy customers are still being supported under the SSE brand until fully transitioned to OVO.
Key Features of SSE (Before Transition)
- Fixed and variable energy tariffs with nationwide coverage
- Traditional customer service, including UK call centres
- Smart meter roll-out and digital billing for eligible homes
- Pay-as-you-go energy and prepayment meter support
- Boiler and home services plans available
SSE Tariffs – Then and Now
SSE previously offered a variety of domestic energy tariffs including:
- 1-Year Fixed – Price-protected tariff for 12 months
- Standard Variable – Flexible plan based on Ofgem’s price cap
- Prepayment – Top-up energy for homes with prepay meters
- Green Energy Add-ons – Optional carbon offset or renewables support
Today, most former SSE customers are now served under OVO Energy, which focuses on carbon reduction, digital billing, and simplified green energy tariffs.
How Does OVO Compare to SSE?
| Feature | SSE (Legacy) | OVO Energy (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Tariff Variety | Multiple options with paper billing | Simplified, green-focused plans |
| Customer Support | Call centre and postal services | App, web chat, email, and call support |
| Green Energy | Optional add-ons | 100% renewable electricity as standard |
| Technology | Basic online account tools | Smart app with usage insights |
SSE Customer Reviews
SSE was praised for reliable supply and accessible customer service, especially among older customers. However, reviews were mixed regarding pricing transparency and digital innovation, which is why many welcomed the shift to OVO’s modern platform.
Do I Still Have an SSE Account?
If you originally signed up with SSE, your account has likely moved to OVO Energy. You should have received notification about this change. For account support, log in via the OVO Energy website or app.
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