1Strategic change in the market for domestic electricity in the UK*

This paper examines developments in the market for domestic electricity supply in the UK since September 1998 when the market was thrown over to competition using a variety of sources including firm interviews and a consumer questionnaire. We find that there was a substantial amount of entry, but that there has since been significant consolidation. There is still a substantial gap between the prices set by a firm in its incumbent area and prices obtainable from entrants to the market. There is no evidence that the market is near to Bertrand in operation. 1