SSE unveils simpler tariff structure - 22/02/2012

Energy supplier SSE has confirmed it is simplifying its tariff system, which may make it easier for people looking to switch gas provider to find the best deals.

The firm said its changes will meet the needs of the vast majority of its customers by cutting back the number of deals available to just four core products – two variable and two fixed.

It is also aiming to make it more straightforward for consumers to find the cheapest possible deal, as they will have to answer just five questions to receive a quote, covering where they live, the type of meter they have, their energy usage and preferred payment and account management methods.

With the same structure available to customers who sign up with the firm online, over the phone or face-to-face with a salesperson, it should make performing an energy comparison easier than ever, the firm said.

Generation and supply director at SSE Alistair Phillips-Davies stated the move will remove much of the complexity from the tariff system, describing it as "the most significant change SSE has ever made to its product range".

He added: "Energy customers want choice, but most customers have a straightforward set of requirements and when they look at the products offered by an energy supplier, it should be easy for them to find out which is the best deal for them."

Earlier this month, research by Ofgem highlighted the need for more straightforward tariffs, as it found consumers are demanding clearer information from their suppliers.

SSE has called for the regulator to introduce an industry-wide price comparison metric to be introduced that will allow consumers to easily compare prices, even if they do not have their precise usage information available.

Mr Phillips-Davies added: "Simplicity doesn't have to mean a lack of choice - as long as the choice is presented in a simple way - and the changes we have made today prove that." 

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