OREANDA-NEWS. SSE is still the leading the energy industry when it comes to resolving customer complaints, according to data published by Ombudsman Services: Energy.

The data shows that during the first six months of 2015 the relative number of complaints accepted by the Ombudsman from SSE customers was the lowest among the UK’s 10 largest suppliers.

The latest figures show overall complaints about energy firms are also falling steadily.

In the three months from March to June 2015 the number of complaints across all suppliers has reduced to 15,853 compared to 19,456 in the first three months of the year.  

SSE’s leading performance is also consistent with our first position in the Citizens Advice Supplier Performance report, which takes into consideration the number of customers who have complained to the Ombudsman.

SSE is continuing to work hard to raise the bar when it comes to complaint handling. In March, an industry-leading pledge was announced to advise customers of their right to take an unresolved complaint to the Ombudsman sooner, after six weeks instead of the industry standard eight weeks.

This is just one of many steps SSE are taking to continuously improve service and ensure customer concerns are resolved at the earliest opportunity.

Jacqui Maxwell, SSE’s Head of Customer Service, said: “SSE works very hard to sort out customer complaints quickly and thoroughly. SSE has always received a low proportion of Ombudsman complaints and I’m delighted that this is reflected in SSE maintaining its number one position.”

“We understand that service is one of the key factors for customers when choosing their energy provider, so it’s vital we offer the best in the industry and we’ll continue to work hard to make sure this is the case.”

Chief Ombudsman, Lewis Shand Smith, said: “The steady decrease in the volume of complaints over the last three months is encouraging for the energy industry as it indicates that providers are starting to improve their service and complaints handling.”