Talking New Energy: SSE on why we're measuring energy bills wrong

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In this episode, we speak to Sam Peacock, Managing Director of Corporate Affairs at SSE plc, about why the UK needs to rethink how we measure the cost of energy. Rather than looking at electricity, gas and petrol separately, Sam argues that the transition to electrification means we should consider the total cost of energy across all three.

We discuss:

• Why combining electricity, gas and transport into a single "whole energy bill" changes the economics of electrification for households.
• The role of electricity networks and renewables in reducing balancing costs, improving energy security and protecting consumers from volatile fossil fuel prices.
• Why the public debate on energy costs needs to evolve, from misconceptions around network investment to the real drivers of household bills and the policies needed to accelerate electrification.

What’s one thing you would like listeners to take away from this?

• Looking at electricity bills in isolation misses the bigger picture. As homes switch to electric vehicles and heat pumps, the goal isn't simply to reduce electricity costs, but to lower the total cost of energy while building a cleaner, more secure and more resilient energy system.