7th Dec 2006 08:45
Scottish & Southern Energy PLC07 December 2006 10,000 CUSTOMERS FOR SSE'S NEW DOMESTIC GAS BOILER MAINTENANCE BUSINESS The new domestic gas boiler maintenance, servicing and installations businesslaunched by Scottish and Southern Energy plc ("SSE") has achieved 10,000customers in the six months since its launch in June 2006. Marketed under the name of 'shield', the business offer features a fullcomprehensive annual service, full breakdown and emergency cover and a 24-hour,365-day manned customer helpline. The product covers a customer's entire gascentral heating system, including the boiler, pipe work, radiators, cylindersand tanks. According to the Health and Safety Executive, around 20 people are killed in theUK every year due to poorly or inadequately serviced gas boilers. Despite this,fewer than one in three of the 14 million owner-occupied homes in the UK has agas boiler maintenance contract. The launch of the 'shield' business has resulted in over 120 new jobs beingcreated, with the establishment of a dedicated 24-hour call centre, teams ofCorgi-registered gas engineers and a sales force. It is expected that thisnumber will grow to over 200 by the end of 2007 as the business expandsthroughout the UK - it currently reaches around seven million homes in 22postcode regions. Its development is part of SSE's wider strategy to offer customers a broaderrange of energy services 'beyond the meter.' Ian Marchant, Chief Executive of SSE, said: "Our aim in launching 'shield' was to offer a safe and high quality service thatwill not only attract customers with existing policies, but also reach the largepart of the market that does not yet have any form of boiler servicing in place.I am delighted with the early progress of the business and the achievement ofthe first 10,000 customers is well ahead of schedule." Enquiries to: Scottish and Southern Energy plcAlan Young - Director of Corporate Communications + 44 (0)870 900 0410Denis Kerby - Investor and Media Relations Manager + 44 (0)870 900 0410 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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