Ofgem to publish energy findings

Ofgem has been looking through documents from energy companies

Energy regulator Ofgem is to publish the findings of a major inquiry into gas and electricity prices.

It started the investigation in February after all the leading suppliers imposed big price rises at almost exactly the same time.

Ofgem has been looking for traces of collusion and to see if the complex wholesale markets in which gas and electricity are traded are working.

MPs have already called for urgent reform of these markets.

The energy regulator has been trawling through information including internal e-mails and minutes of meetings at all the big gas and electricity suppliers.

There is particular concern about the tariffs paid by people on pre-payment meters.

Ofgem has wide powers to order changes to the way energy companies do business, and could call for an even more wide-ranging investigation by the competition commission.