Ofgem has welcomed the Competition Appeal Tribunal’s (CAT) decision to uphold Ofgem's finding that National Grid was in breach of competition law, restricting the development of competition in the domestic gas meter market.

In its decision the CAT has ruled that National Grid should face a £30 million financial penalty – although lower than the £41.6 million fine imposed by Ofgem it is the highest penalty for abuse of dominance imposed to date in the UK. In its judgment the CAT has also upheld Ofgem's directions which require National Grid to bring these multi-million pound contracts into compliance with competition law.


Commenting on the ruling, Ofgem Chairman, Lord Mogg, said: "This case illustrates Ofgem's commitment to make full use of its powers to tackle abuse and ensure energy markets work effectively for consumers. The CAT's ruling upholds Ofgem's decision and confirms that National Grid has abused its dominance in the domestic gas metering market, restricting competition and harming consumers."

(CD/JM)