It might also be down to a complete lack of investment in storage facilities by the energy companies.

my answer to that is in one word 'bollocks' ...

the (extortion) companies not only closed the storage facilities they also closed the generating facilities to increase the price of energy ...



well that makes me feel safer already, hum, how many banksters have there been prosecuted (answers on a post card please) ...

It all goes to show that no government can adequately regulate the industry and it should be renationalised.

absolutely agree ...

There could be problems and that is the problems of the unions wielding excessive power like they had in the 70's which was one reason why Maggie sold them in the first place to divide and conquer with 6 generators there would be none of the influence that they had over the government as owners of all the power companies.

the unions have on the most part been contained in law, as a unionist i believe stronger laws should be put in place to ensure that unions represent their members and are not by any means allowed access to a political party (of any kind). if the unions wish political access then let them stand for national elections ...

but the above digresses from the posted subject ...

I have no problem with unions funding parties but since New Labour no longer represents workers it is only a matter of time before a new party that supports workers will be founded.

If you two forma party, I promise I will vote for you. Please get on with it, your nation needs your wisdom and leadership.

so by proving they cant regulate it they should own it to regulate it?

I think the logic of it is, if we can't regulate it well enough to stop it gouging us, we might as well get back the money it makes gouging us.

It doesn't show that though. For one thing it shows that when you look at the market it's hard to find evidence of manipulation. But more importantly, they were looking at the wholesale supply end of the market. Most of that wasn't privatised because it never belonged to the state.

...and if you look at the cost of enegy we seem to ahve some of the cheapest in Europe

http://order-order.com/2013/09/25/how-do-uk-retail-energy-prices-compare-to-rest-of-europe/
&
http://www.efficientthings.com/blog/2012/10/25/energy-showdown-uk-vs-europe-energy-prices-and-energy-consumption-infographic/
so unless you are going to do a Venezula and sell at less than cost it ain't going to get much cheaper