With news of the SSE and npower merger receiving final CMA approval to proceed on 10 October, it is a fitting time to reflect on the domestic energy supply industry. The industry is entering a phase of consolidation as a result of tougher market conditions and squeezed margins.
Our chart this week highlights the net change in the number of active suppliers over the last seven quarters, with a view of activity seen in Q418 so far. It shows that the rate of addition of fully licensed suppliers active in the market has been slowing since Q417, turning negative in Q318 with the first quarterly net decline since 2006.