The energy reports dashboard was my first design project at SSE. This feature, integrated into the “Manage My Account” platform, allows business customers to run detailed reports on their energy usage, helping them better understand and manage their consumption.

Background

Consumption data is vital for businesses because it helps them understand how much gas & electricity they’re using and where they can save money. By analysing this data, companies can identify inefficiencies, reduce their energy bills, and make smarter decisions about their energy use.

SSE, one of the UK’s leading energy companies, supports businesses of all sizes with tailored gas and electricity solutions. As the UK pushes toward net zero emissions by 2050, managing energy consumption is more important than ever—not just for sustainability, but also for cost savings.

During this project, I spoke with Angela, an energy broker and SSE customer, who highlighted the importance of easily downloadable consumption data. She emphasized that easy access to data saves her time and that effective visualisations would make her life easier when managing stakeholders in her daily work.

With rising energy prices, being able to view and download detailed consumption data is essential. It allows businesses to track their energy use over time, find ways to cut costs, and ensure they’re getting the best value for their energy. This capability is also in line with Ofgem’s requirements, which ensure that businesses have the tools they need to manage their energy effectively.

Problem Statement

Businesses struggle to access and analyse their energy consumption data efficiently, making it difficult to identify cost-saving opportunities and inefficiencies. There is a need for a solution that provides easily downloadable, detailed consumption data with effective visualisations to support decision-making and regulatory compliance.

Research

• Competitive analysis - To understand how other companies deliver data to their users, we explored data visualization tools used by both energy companies and businesses in other industries.

• User personas - To grasp our users' needs and goals, we reviewed the user personas previously created by our team. They gave us valuable insights into what our users are looking for and how to better meet their needs.

• Quantitative data analytics - I collaborated with our product owner to understand how customers use SSE’s tools by analysing Google Analytics and reviewing the voice of the customer (VOC) data. This helped us understand user behaviors and preferences.

Impact

• User satisfaction - During usability testing, participants were really happy with how the dashboard worked, and every single user said it was something they would find useful in their operations. The simple design and easy access to energy data make managing consumption a little bit less of a hassle.

• Sessions - Since the dashboard was introduced, we've seen a 20% increase in page visits, showing that users are coming back more often to track and analyse their energy usage.

• Transparency - The dashboard makes it easier for customers to see and download their energy data, helping us be more open and meeting Ofgem's rules. This gives users a better sense of control over their energy consumption and higher trust in what SSE provides them.