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エネルギー盗みは露出した
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英本国」 S最も大きいエネルギー会社は価格を引き上げる競争を窒息させ、記録的な利益を£4.5十億より多くの作るために、日曜日の時間調査は見つけた。
英本国のガスおよび電気を制御する6人の会社は今競争の任務参照されることを要求する直面している。
6人の主要な会社を管理するエグゼクティブは先週2か月毎に機密の市場の作戦を論議するために会議を少なくとも催すように確認された。 より小さい競争相手は除かれる。
新しい発表はaとして来る 日曜日の時のYouGovの投票 reveals that more than eight out of 10 customers believe they are being “ripped off” by the energy firms. Alistair Darling, the chancellor, is to meet Sir John Mogg, the head of regulator Ofgem, tomorrow for an explanation of the latest round of price rises.
Industry insiders said they are ready to give evidence about how the “big six” have driven up prices and boosted profits by:
- Keeping each other’s prices in step by raising and lowering tariffs within a few weeks of each other.
- Denying smaller rivals fair access to energy from their own power plants at affordable prices.
- Charging loyal customers significantly more than those who switch, so keeping up profits.
- Stifling competition by supporting laborious and expensive accreditation for new companies.
Allan Asher, chief executive of Energywatch, the consumer watchdog, said: “The problem with the energy market is that it’s lazy, complacent and uncompetitive. It has been able to drive out the possibility of any vigorous challenge to the prominence of the big six energy suppliers.”
The companies enjoyed a “bumper year” in 2007, profiting from a dramatic fall in the wholesale price of gas amid allegations they failed to pass on savings to householders. Analysts believe the companies are now poised to report record annual profits of more than £4.5 billion.
The companies last week confirmed that they were meeting regularly under the auspices of the Energy Retail Association. The association says market-sensitive issues are never talked about and pricing policies are discussed only in the context of a public debate about best practice. Rival energy companies say the association is a “closed shop” for the dominant companies and the minutes of meetings should be published.
The Sunday Times YouGov poll found that 85% of customers felt they were being ripped off by the energy firms. This compares to 76% of people who felt they were being ripped off by the railways; 74% by the petrol companies; and 59% by the banks and financial service industry.
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