SSE confirmed its financial guidance unchanged for the year as first-quarter networks investment surged and renewables output rose on favourable weather.

Hargreaves Lansdown analyst Aarin Chiekrie noted that May's broadly in-line full-year numbers were dragged down by an 8% fall in underlying operating profit, setting up Thursday's trading statement as a key delivery check.

The National Energy System Operator has identified further north-of-Scotland network reinforcements that could add more than £12bn to SSEN Transmission's investment opportunity.

"SSE charged to the top end of its full‑year earnings guidance," says Aarin Chiekrie, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, whilst arguing the utility is now entering a multi‑year growth phase.

"By operating our business efficiently and optimally, while accelerating electrification and building energy infrastructure to unlock homegrown renewables, we are strengthening energy security and lowering system costs over time," said Martin Pibworth, Chief Executive.