Energy giant SSE warns of EU Brexit risk

One of the UK’s biggest energy suppliers has warned that a vote to leave the EU would increase the risk in its business, although it has stopped short of advocating either an in or out vote.

SSE, the Perth based gas and electricity supplier, said that being in the EU has been “beneficial” to British householders and has allowed them to receive secure, affordable and low-carbon energy.

The company says that regardless of whether the UK stays in or leaves, energy is a “shared competence” and that collaboration with other European countries is important for UK customers.

SSE’s entry into the debate comes as Amber Rudd, Energy Secretary, claims that household bills could rise if Britain leaves the EU. She argues that the UK faces an “electric shock” outside the EU that could increase energy costs by £500 million a year, by the 2020s.

Rudd argues that the more the UK relies on gas imports, the greater is its need to stay in the EU, so that it does not become to vulnerable from gas exporting countries like Russia.

Rudd’s argument is based on research commissioned by the National Grid which suggests that, although uncertain, the impact of leaving the EU on the UK's energy capability is "very likely to be negative”.