Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) hosted Tan Dhesi MP in its Slough depot to discuss its commitment to a fair transition to net zero. This means ensuring opportunities to decarbonise are accessible for its customers, while creating green and sustainable jobs across Slough. SSEN, as part of SSE plc, recently became one of the first companies in the UK to gain Living Hours accreditation, after being one of the biggest FTSE 100 employers to back the Living Wage rate.
SSEN's Living Hours accreditation means it is providing a real Living Wage and secure and sufficient hours of work, with up to four weeks' notice for every shift, guaranteed payment if shifts are cancelled within this period, and guaranteed minimum hours every week. SSEN places a strong standard on fair work and support for its colleagues and their families across Slough and its distribution areas.
The UK is targeting net zero carbon emissions by 2050, which will require significant electrification of how we heat our homes and power our journeys. Since 2015, SSEN has invested over £114 million in Slough and throughout the wider Thames Valley region to support the transition to a net zero future and a resilient electricity network. SSEN discussed with Tan Dhesi MP the importance of creating sustainable jobs that enable Slough's net zero future.
Tan Dhesi MP said:
"It is fantastic to hear about SSEN's support for net zero and I congratulate them on achieving Living Hours accreditation. As we transition to net zero carbon emissions, we can create jobs in Slough that are well paid and sustainable in industries of the future. Ensuring this transition is managed in a fair manner, and that these opportunities are shared is key to its enduring success."
The Climate Change Committee has forecast that demand on electricity networks will treble by 2050 as the UK transition to net zero carbon emissions. A key part to this journey will be is electrifying transport, and SSEN discussed with Tan Dhesi MP how it is investing to support his constituents' transition to electric vehicles (EVs). SSEN recently produced forecasts that show there will be 4.5m EVs in its southern distribution area alone by 2050 (up from roughly 27,000 today). In Slough this will mean increasing the number of EV chargepoints from 800 today to almost 32,000 by 2050.
SSEN is a signatory of the Climate Group's EV100 commitment and will decarbonise 3,500 corporate vehicles by 2030.
Tan Dhesi MP welcomed SSEN's commitment and support for Slough's EV transition:
"Removing barriers to EV uptake will be critical. This means not only ensuring network infrastructure is ready but ensuring the purchase of EVs is accessible. It was great to hear about SSEN's leadership in decarbonising its own corporate fleet which will have an important role in stimulating the second-hand market in the long-term."
Carl Pates, Deputy Head of Operations (Thames Valley Region), said:
"It was great to welcome Tan Dhesi to the Slough depot to discuss a fair transition to net zero and our work in his constituency. I am proud of SSEN's leadership in this area through being a Living Hours and Living Wage accredited employer, decarbonising our own corporate fleet, and investing in Slough's critical electricity network infrastructure.
"Addressing climate change will create exciting new opportunities for Slough and it was great to understand Tan's support for Slough transitioning to a net zero future."