§ 24. Mr. LeighTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures he is taking to liberalise the energy market at(a) UK and (b) EU level. [149027]
§ Mr. HainUK electricity and gas markets are already liberalised. In addition, my Department is working closely with the regulator to reform the wholesale electricity market in England and Wales by replacing the electricity pool with more competitive trading arrangements. The target implementation date for the new electricity arrangements is 27 March.
In Europe, the Commission will soon be proposing a new directive to accelerate the liberalisation of European electricity and gas markets. The UK Government will be urging a rapid move to a properly open and competitive electricity and gas market in Europe.