OREANDA-NEWS. SSE has today published its response to the CMA’s Provisional Findings and Notice of Possible Remedies arising from its GB Energy Market Investigation.

Since a market investigation was first proposed in March 2014, SSE has argued that the energy markets in GB are generally well-functioning and competitive, while recognising the benefits of reform that are in the interests of customers, and these responses are consistent with this view.

In the round, the Provisional Findings provide a thorough and well-evidenced record of the overwhelmingly positive features of the GB energy markets, setting out that the key elements of the wholesale market are working well and are highly competitive, as well as identifying a number of positive features within energy supply markets. Notwithstanding these positive features the CMA has identified, the Provisional Findings also identify some potential indicators of competitive harm within the retail sector, an assessment which is often at odds with SSE’s experience of the market and that is not supported by the evidence.  

SSE welcomes those remedies which address issues in the market that SSE has previously highlighted to the CMA. Whilst SSE recognises that much depends on the detail of how the remedies would be implemented, and on the overall impact of the remedies combined, SSE supports the CMA’s principles-based approach to the retail remedies; providing the framework for effective competition, facilitating widespread customer engagement, and providing appropriate safeguards to help disengaged or vulnerable customers. However, the CMA must also consider the likely speed of delivery and the potential to effectively achieve the stated aims in a timely, cost effective, and proportionate manner, as well as guard against the risk of unintended consequences, which may undermine customer trust.

The CMA is expected to publish its Final Report by the end of this year. SSE will continue its engagement with the CMA to strive to improve the GB energy market for the benefit of customers, and fully grasp this opportunity to re-build trust and find a lasting settlement.