드러내는 에너지 rip-off

Steven Swinford와 Jon Ungoed 토마스

브리튼' S 가장 큰 에너지 회사는 가격을 올리는 경쟁을 질식시키고 기록적인 이윤을 £4.5 10억 보다는 더 많은 것의 남기기 위하여, 일요일 시간 수사는 찾아냈다.

브리튼의 가스와 전기를 통제하는 6명의 회사는 지금 경쟁 위원회이라고 언급한ㄴ다는 것을 요구한다 직면하고 있다.

6명의 중요한 회사에게 맡겨져 있는 행정관은 지난 주 매 2 달 은밀한 시장 전략을 토론하기 위하여 회의를 적어도 열 있도록 확인되었다. 더 작은 경쟁자는 제한다.

새로운 노출은 a로 온다 일요일 시간 동안 YouGov 투표 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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