Open search form Who we are Corporate governance Corporate framework Group executive committee Our strategy Our heritage HOMEWHO WE AREOUR HERITAGE OUR HERITAGE SSE can trace its heritage back almost 80 years to the advent of electricity generation in the north of Scotland. The North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board was formed with the Hydro Electric Development Act in 1943, delivering electricity to the Highlands for the first time. Scores of hydro dams and power stations were built across the uniquely positioned but challenging terrain - dramatically improving lives across the region. It was no easy feat, with works at St Fillans setting a world tunnelling record in 1955, grinding their way through 557ft of rock in just one week. By the mid 1960's, Scotland could boast of 56 dams connected by over 600km of rock tunnel, aqueducts and pipelines. In the south, the former Southern Electricity Board was created in 1948 to distribute and supply electricity in southern England. SSE plc has its origins in these two public sector electricity supply authorities, with both organisations privatised in the early 1990s with the deregulation of energy. They merged in 1998, creating one of the largest energy businesses in Great Britain with millions of domestic energy customers alongside operating the electricity networks across both regions. In 2008, SSE acquired Airtricity, an Irish wind farm business, doubling renewables capacity to become the largest operator in the UK and Ireland. Today we remain the UK’s largest generator of renewable energy, in keeping with our predecessors historic aim to provide safe and reliable electricity for all. In 2020 we sold our GB electricity supply business to Ovo Energy, to focus on our core businesses of electricity networks and renewables, with complementary interests supporting the transition to a net zero world. Back to top. Who We Are Corporate governance Our strategy Our heritage What we do SSE Renewables SSEN Distribution SSEN Transmission SSE Thermal SSE Energy Solutions SSE Airtricity Investors Reports and results Regulatory news Financial Calendar Shareholder Services Sustainability Our 2030 Goals Modern Slavery Statement SSE News and views Media Contacts About our campaign Media bank Careers Life at SSE Specialisms Inclusion Early Careers Thinking of applying? Copyright SSE © 2021. All rights reserved. Contact UsPrivacy NoticeCookie NoticePotential SuppliersSitemapTISC Report Affiliate REMIT Cookie Control Your choice regarding cookies on this site By clicking 'Allow All', you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation and analyse site usage. Allow AllDisable AllSettings