Michael Harker () (Centre for Competition Policy, University of East Anglia) Catherine Waddams Price () (Centre for Competition Policy, University of East Anglia)
Abstract
In this article we chart the development of competition and deregulation of the British retail energy markets, explaining the evolution of competitive constraints when consumers are introduced to supplier choice for the first time. In the context of rising real energy prices for consumers, and continued market power on the part of the incumbents, we address the question of whether the control of pricing practices through the ex post provisions of the general competition law is sufficient to protect consumers. We also explore the issue of whether reliance solely on these provisions is desirable given the uncertainty which surrounds the application of the Chapter II prohibition (governing abuse of dominance), specifically in respect of price discrimination in final markets. We conclude that the outcome of the liberalisation experiment in terms of delivering benefits for consumers is unclear.
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Publisher Info
Paper provided by Centre for Competition Policy, University of East Anglia in its series Working Papers with number
06-20.
Find related papers by JEL classification: K21 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - Antitrust Law K23 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - Regulated Industries and Administrative Law I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs L12 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Monopoly; Monopolization Strategies L41 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - Monopolization; Horizontal Anticompetitive Practices L51 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - Economics of Regulation L94 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Electric Utilities L95 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Gas Utilities; Pipelines; Water Utilities
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