The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally approved the proposed merger between SSE Retail (SSE) and Npower, finding that the move "does not raise competition concerns".

An inquiry group of independent CMA panel members investigated how the merger would affect householders, following initial concerns about the potential impact on 'standard variable tariffs' (SVTs) – the most common and expensive energy tariff.

As part of its in-depth review, the inquiry group has provisionally decided to clear the deal after finding that SSE and Npower do not compete closely on prices.

Anne Lambert, Chair of the Inquiry Group, said: "It is vital that householders have a range of energy suppliers to choose from so they can find the best deal for them. With more than 70 energy companies out there, we have found that there is plenty of choice when people shop around.

"But many people don't shop around for their energy. So, we carefully scrutinised this deal, in particular how it would impact people who pay the more expensive standard variable prices.

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"Our analysis shows that the merger will not impact how SSE and Npower set their prices because they are not close rivals for these customers.

"Looking ahead, Ofgem's price cap is also expected to protect customers."

The CMA found that the number of people switching energy provider is the highest in a decade and the proportion on has fallen.

However, as previously outlined in its energy market investigation, the CMA has found that those people who do not switch, for whatever reason, are usually on one of the large energy suppliers' and pay higher prices. Therefore, the CMA carefully examined whether the merger would change how the large energy suppliers set these prices.

The CMA has found:

• if customers switch, they usually change to a cheaper, non-, tariff;

• the risk of losing customers as a result of an price rise will not change with the merger;

• evidence that few customers switch between SSE and Npower, instead preferring to move to other suppliers;

• SSE and Npower do not compete closely on prices;

• prices are mainly driven by changing wholesale costs.

Therefore, the merger is not expected to have a significant impact on pricing.

As part of its assessment, the CMA examined evidence from the six large energy suppliers; smaller suppliers; customer groups; and regulators. This included hearings with consumer groups and suppliers in Scotland where SSE has a large share of consumers. None of these raised substantive concerns about the effects of the merger on householders.

The CMA now welcomes views and evidence on its provisional decision by 20 September 2018 before coming to a final view. The statutory deadline for the CMA's final report is 22 October 2018.

(MH/CM)