Energy watchdog Ofgem chief warns of bill rises

undaunted

jd87 wrote: »

Everyone keeps saying that the government/regulator need to "keep the lights on", but the last time I checked this was a privatised industry. Private companies should be concerned about keeping the lights on, they should be investing in new infrastructure from their own profits. The question is what is wrong with the industry at the moment that seems to mean that private companies don't care?

The government should be promoting investment, not by offering subsidies, but by threatening private companies with sanctions if they fail to maintain supplies at a reasonable cost.

Exactly! :T

Unfortunately I think they are more interested in securing themselves a future seat on the board(s) though

rogerblack wrote: »

Because the private companies that manage the network have often very low profit margins, and the network is not upgraded past what will barely work in emergencies, and what can be reasonably arguable meets the minimum regulations.

Margins perhaps, though results aren't necessarily transparent, but either way the actual profits these companies make are enormous!