Ofgem opens Competition Act investigation

20 Jan 2009 11:30

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January 20 2009

OFGEM OPENS INVESTIGATION INTO ELECTRICITY NETWORK COMPANY 

Energy regulator, Ofgem has opened an investigation into allegations of abuse of a dominant position by electricity distribution company Electricity North West Limited (ENW). 

The allegations relate to the terms imposed by ENW on independent networks connecting to ENW's pre-existing network; and whether these terms foreclose the market to competitors in the area in which ENW is the incumbent Distribution Network Operator.

The investigation is under section 18 of the Competition Act 1998 (the Chapter II prohibition).

-ENDS- 

Notes to editors

Ofgem is the Office of the Gas and Electricity Markets, which supports the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority, the regulator of the gas and electricity industries in Great Britain. The Authority's functions are set out mainly in the Gas Act 1986, the Electricity Act 1989, the Competition Act 1998 and the Utilities Act 2000. In this note, the functions of the Authority under all the relevant Acts are, for simplicity, described as the functions of Ofgem. 

For further press information contact:

Trevor Loveday  020 7901 7288 / 07887 652 252

Alison Wright 020 7901 7217 / 07771 980 297