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UK: Problems for British Gas compounded by latest fine

By  |  April 10, 2014

UK utility British Gas has reportedly been issued fines of $9.4 million for anticompetitive conduct in a case separate from ongoing scrutiny over soaring energy prices.

The company was reportedly sanctioned for blocking customers from switching energy suppliers after energy watchdog Ofgem found evidence of the anticompetitive conduct occurring between 2007 and 2012. Regulators are in the midst of probing British Gas and the rest of the Big Six energy giants over soaring prices and low consumer approval ratings.

Ofgem said it found a computer error that caused British Gas to bar consumer switching before consumers’ contracts were set to expire. This meant consumers had no chance to shop around for a supplier, say reports.

A portion of the fines issued will be repaid to business customers, say reports.

Full Content: Reuters

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