The Big Six energy companies are bracing themselves for a renewed assault on their power next week. The Competition and Markets Authority, which is examining whether consumers are being overcharged for gas and electricity, is set to unveil “provisional remedies” on Thursday. The proposals are expected to boost independent suppliers such as First Utility, GB Energy and Utilita by levelling the playing field with British Gas, SSE and EDF Energy. The authority, which claimed last year that families collectively were overpaying up to £1.2 billion a year, is expected to stop short of breaking up the industry’s giants, but it is likely to recommend a package of measures designed to intensify competition. It may force the Big Six to open up their databases so that rivals can view their customers and offer more competitive products. It may also insist that they send out bills more often and offer better and clearer information about possible tariffs.
Times 4th March 2016 read more »
The Future of the Electricity Utilities. From: Catherine Mitchell To: The Future of the Electricity Utilities Project, Asian Stakeholder Meeting, British Consulate, Hong Kong – 3rd March 2016 Outline: What are the drivers for change within energy systems?; Is Europe an outlier?; NY REV as an example of ‘new’ regulatory thinking; Can we expect drivers for change to spread around the globe?; What implications does this have for governance?; What are the implications of this for Asia?
IGov 3rd March 2016 read more »