UK wind operator SSE said lower renewable output during this year’s still, warm weather contributed to a “disappointing and regrettable” performance that’s likely to halve operating profits for its financial first half.

The Scotland-based utility – which operates about 2GW of onshore wind in the UK and Ireland, along with a growing offshore fleet – warned earlier in the summer that the weather conditions, lower consumption and higher than expected gas prices was likely to hit its financial performance.