'Big Six' energy firms to face major competition inquiry
Energy regulator Ofgem has called for the "Big Six" gas and electricity providers to face a full-scale competition inquiry.
Energy regulator Ofgem has called for the "Big Six" gas and electricity providers to face a full-scale competition inquiry.
The boss of Centrica, which owns British Gas, told ITV News the 'Big Six' energy firms are "absolutely not a cartel" after Ofgem's review found evidence of possible tacit co-ordination.
The energy watchdog said it did not find evidence of explicit collusion between the firms but said the timing and size of price announcements were part of the evidence that showed possible tacit co-ordination.
Sam Laidlaw told ITV News he "refutes totally" the idea that the 'Big Six' are a cartel and claimed that the energy market is "vibrant" and "very competitive."
Regulators have called for an investigation into the UK's Big Six energy suppliers amid soaring household bills and rocketing profits.
Ofgem's finding that aspects of energy firms' behaviour "would appear to be consistent with tacit coordination" has been denied by Centrica.
The inquiry into the 'Big Six' energy firms is a significant moment, but don't hold your breath, it will take the best part of two years.