SSE confirms commitment to Highlands

21st March 2012

SSE plc is today confirming its ongoing commitment to the Highland region with the announcement that 50 new roles will be created at its Highland headquarters in Inverness.

The new roles are being created to support SSE's renewable ambitions; its transmission business; and the establishment of a corporate presence in Inverness with a particular focus on continuing to build on its work with communities and stakeholders.

The 50 new roles will be created from 1 April 2012, with further investment in training and employment across the Highlands and Islands expected as energy development takes place.

In a further move which signals SSE's long term commitment to the region it is working with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highland Council and Inverness College to develop a pilot 12 month training programme which will offer 16-22 year olds the opportunity of a career with SSE. The programme offers 30 youngsters the opportunity to gain some invaluable hands on experience of life in the energy industry and it is hoped those taking part in the programme will go on to achieve a long and successful career with SSE.

Inverness, and the wider Highland region, continues to be of great importance to SSE's current and future business plans, with SSE already committed to significant levels of future investment in the region. SSE's transmission business, Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Ltd (SHETL), is making excellent progress on the Beauly to Denny replacement line, with the construction of the first tower completed earlier this year. Construction of the replacement line is expected to be completed in 2014.

SHETL has also submitted to the regulator, OFGEM, its business plan to the year 2021, with a planned capital investment programme of £1.1bn with flexibility to increase this to £4bn if required. Central to SHETL's plans to upgrade the transmission network is the need to accommodate and connect new forms of generation, releasing the large volume of renewable generation in the North of Scotland.

SSE plc is also looking to develop new opportunities for its renewables division, SSE Renewables, with a number of developments in the planning stage.

SSE's Managing Director for Group Services, Jim McPhillimy, said: "The Highland region has always been very important to us since the early 'Hydro' days and we have significant development opportunities in the region planned for the future. We are determined to leave a lasting legacy and our move to significantly expand our presence in the highlands is a signal of our intent."

Welcoming the news of SSE's commitment to the Highland region The Highland Council Convener Sandy Park said: "The Highland Council welcomes this news of expansion by SSE at its main Inverness office. This represents a significant boost to the local economy in tough economic times. We are also very pleased to be working with SSE on training opportunities for young people as the Council has identified youth employability as a top priority."