3 of the ‘Big Six’ energy firms switch to electric fleets

Three of the ‘Big Six’ energy companies have promised to ensure all their employee vehicles are electric by 2030.

SSE, Centrica and Mitie have all committed to the EV100, The Climate Group’s pledge targeting companies to accelerate the use of electric vehicles (EVs), aiming to make electrification the “new normal” by 2030.

The Climate Group have said the transport sector accounts for 23% of global, energy-related Greenhouse Gas emissions - the fastest-growing contributor to climate change. The three energy companies are joining 46 other businesses to combat these emissions.

Centrica and SSE each operate the 3rd and 7th largest fleets in the UK, and collectively, the three companies will transition 21,300 vehicles to become electric powered.

SSE Director of Group Change, Brian McLaren, emphasised the importance of decarbonisation, defining it as “critical if the UK is to meet its Net Zero targets”.

A key barrier preventing companies to sign up to the EV pledge are charging infrastructure, as found by The Climate Group’s 2019 report. Subsequently, all three companies have committed to expand the use of charging points across the UK.

SSE are planning national charging infrastructure projects, having already installed over 50 charging points. Centrica have announced the growth of its service ‘Local Heroes’, offering homeowners EV charging installations. Mitie have said by the end of 2020, the company will have installed 800 new charging points.

Chief Executive of The Climate Group, Helen Clarkson, welcomed the companies to the commitment: “Energy companies have a crucial role to play in ensuring the UK reaches its new legal goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 – and there are huge business opportunities for those who get ahead first.”

“Leading by example, these companies joining EV100 are sending a clear message that the direction of travel for transport is electric, inspiring their millions of staff and customers to follow – every major business must do the same.”

SSE have also committed to doubling the company’s energy productivity by 2030 from a 2010/2011 baseline, under The Climate Group’s EP100 initiative. This endeavour will ensure SSE will generate twice the economic output per every unit of energy used.