An energy price cap could kill competition, SSE has claimed, amid fears that looming government intervention could threaten its dividend. The company, formerly known as Scottish and Southern Energy, spooked investors yesterday by warning that its dividend cover would come under pressure next year because of lower income than expected from its networks and generation business. Analysts have said that a price cap on standard variable tariffs could force SSE to cut its prized dividend, which it has increased every year since 1999.
Times 31st March 2017 read more »
The government is preparing to consult on new regulation of the energy market after Theresa May vowed to “step in”, declaring that “relying on switching alone to keep prices down is clearly not working”.