A start date for competition in the UK electrical supply industry has now been delayed for five months until September because of problems sorting out computer systems for the change-over. The electrical companies have had just seven years to prepare for the change and the huge resources of monopoly income to pay for the latest systems. But as we reported (CI No 3,329) only four of the 14 companies has systems sufficiently up to date to cope. The companies’ failure has provoked a massive row and they could face fine of up to 50m pounds for their blunder. British Gas, which hoped to offer electricity supplies, is particularly angry and is demanding electricity firms be barred from offering gas supplies while they remain monopolies. And if they couldn’t bring systems up to date with seven years notice, how will they cope with year 2000?
