SSE Part of Market Liberalization
As from January 1, 2005, the electricity market has been liberalized for all customers except for home users. SSE has prepared a number of new and revolutionary products and, at the sane time, it has mailed new contracts to more than 80 000 in order to renew the partnership under the new conditions. This is a great opportunity to talk to Mr. Erik Regter, SSE Commercial Director, who answered our questions.
What are your customers' reactions to market liberalization?
I can assure you that our customers appreciate our offer on the liberalized market. More than 60% of them have already mailed the signed contract back. We are glad that, looking into the options, they have decided to remain faithful to its long-term partner in Central Slovakia. We would like to thank them for their trust.
As you have already mentioned, a liberalized market means the freedom of choice. What makes SSE stand out?
First of all, SSE is a major company on the market in Central Slovakia. Our region was struck by a major disaster recently. A major storm caused substantial damage on infrastructure, including electric lines. Our employees worked round the clock, at night, on weekends to restore the electricity supplies not only for the citizens struck by the disaster, but also for our business customers who help to spin the economy in our region.
Second, we are trying to be as close as possible to our customers. A new dedicated customer line for business customers and institutions helped us offer the necessary services to twice as many customers as before. Thanks to the new customer line, we are able to give adequate information and advice in the period of change.
Third, SSE promotes open, transparent and correct behavior towards its customers. The rapid return of the contracts is a proof good enough to say that the provision of complete information and new contracts was a good move on the whole.
What do you do if a customer has not returned the contract?
We understand that with some customers, the decision process may be more complicated, which causes the contracts not to arrive so quickly.
We believe that the customers who have not returned the contracts do not wish to enter muddy waters in respect to such an important product as electric energy as from January 1, 2005.
If there is anything unclear to these customers, we suggest using the 0850 123 555 dedicated customer line where our professional staff provides the necessary information.
The year 2004 is slowly giving way. What are your expectations for 2005?
SSE welcomes market liberalization. We believe that new market conditions will help us improve our custom-tailored products. We wish that our customers stay with us not because they must, but because they want to. At the same time, I would like to take the opportunity and wish all our present and future customers merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
