Energywatch fears EDF deal will reduce competition

Energywatch has called on regulators to protect consumer interests over fears that EDF’s planned takeover of nuclear power company British Energy will reduce competition.

The warning comes after French utility giant EDF announced it had secured a £12.bn bid to take over the power plant. Centrica, British Gas’ parent company, is also in talks to take a 25% stake in British energy.

Energywatch says: “British Energy is a very significant independent generator. This purchase will have an impact on the level of competition within the market.

“This is not an either-or situation. The security of supply issues and the competition issues must both be covered if we are to ensure consumers are to be beneficiaries from the deal.”

Energywatch, Postwatch and the National Consumer Council will dissolve to form Consumer Focus on October 1. The new body was created as part of the Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Act that received Royal Assent in July last year.