In the UK the home utility market has been deregulated. This allows home and business consumers to choose their energy, home phone and broadband provider.
Gas
In 1986 British Gas, the only company providing gas to homes in the UK, was privatised. This included the transporting of gas around the UK’s network, as well as delivering gas via pipelines to domestic properties. This however was a monopoly and was considered uncompetitive. Over the following years changes where made to change the system. In 1990 large I&C customers where allowed to choose their gas supplier. In 1992 All I&C customers can select their gas supplier. In 1996 a pilot scheme is launched to allow domestic gas customers in South West England to choose their gas supplier. In 1997 British Gas became the BG Group and Centrica. Transco is part of the BG Group. In 1998 a pilot scheme was launched that allowed all domestic customers to choose their gas supplier. In 2000 the BG Group further split into Lattice. In 2002 Lattice merges with the National Grid. Today there are many services that allow gas prices to be compared, to allow customers to get cheap gas.
Electricity
In 1990 the UK Electricity board was privatised. This allowed a competitive market for customers requiring 1MW or more. In 1994 the 100KW market was deregulated. In 1997 compulsory metering was introduced. In 1998 the domestic supply market was deregulated. In 2000 domestic metering was open to competition. Today there are many services that allow energy and electricity prices to be compared to save money on household bills.
Home phone
The UK home phone market was deregulated in the 1990s. This has left more than 170 providers of home telephone services. Customers are able to choose their provider. Almost all services are provided over the British Telecom network, who still have a duty to provide a telephone line to every home within the UK. It is not necessary to use BT as the service provider. There are many services that allow one to find cheaper home phone calls.
Broadband
Since the introduction of broadband to the UK market many broadband service providers have appeared. Currently there are hundreds to choose from. Most of the broadband network is installed and controlled by BT. This is necessary as BT is responsible for providing telephone lines to UK homes. There are many services that allow one to find the best broadband internet provider.
