Electricity infrastructure company SSE has spent £3.6bn in the past financial year on strengthening the UK’s grid, it has announced.
SSE said in its financial results that it has invested 60% more than it made in adjusted operating profit into building critical national infrastructure during the financial year.
The company announced a five-year, £33bn investment plan to 2030 in November last year, primarily focused on strengthening the electricity network in the north of Scotland.
Over the last year, the ramp up in SSE’s investment contributed to £9.7bn being added to the UK economy, £3.4bn of which was in Scotland. Projects under way include renewables and flexible generation, helping unlock homegrown energy and reduce long-term system costs, it said.
SSE reported adjusted operating profit of £2,237m for the year to 31 March 2026, 8% lower than last year, with total group investment up 23%.
Overall, the Group invested more than it made in adjusted operating profit over the year, underlining its focus on building critical national infrastructure, it said. Around 40% of profit came from the networks business, reflecting increased investment.
Renewables profits rose by around 4% despite weaker weather, while profits in flexibility, including gas‑fired and multifuel generation and energy supply, were around 15% lower, reflecting market conditions.
Martin Pibworth, Chief Executive of SSE, said:
“This year has demonstrated the strength and resilience of SSE’s integrated model. We met all our financial and operational targets and delivery of our fully-funded £33bn investment plan to 2030 – focusing on Networks, Renewables and Flexibility – is well under way. That investment is central to long‑term value creation. It is reducing the UK’s exposure to volatile global energy markets and providing more stable, predictable returns through the energy transition, while supporting economic growth and cutting bills for consumers.
“By operating our business efficiently and optimally, while accelerating electrification and building energy infrastructure to unlock homegrown renewables, we are strengthening energy security and lowering system costs over time. With record levels of capital investment in line with our plan and strong momentum across the Group, we are well placed to deliver sustainable growth and value creation for our shareholders while helping to build a more affordable and secure energy system for the UK.”
Image courtesy of SSE
