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The Big Six ReviewOut of the many other energy suppliers, there were only six major companies that have successfully dominated the energy market in the United Kingdom. These energy providers have supplied about 95% of gas and electricity to homes and businesses. The question is, who exactly are they? British Gas With over 10 million domestic UK customers and 33, 000 staffs, British Gas is the biggest gas and electricity supplier in the United Kingdom. The company’s headquarter is based in Staines-upon-Thames, United Kingdom. It is partly owned by Centrica Group, a large British company that is also linked with oil and gas ventures and production. Npower The German-owned energy supplier has over 6 million home and business customers, making it as one of the leading and largest gas and electricity suppliers in the UK. It was founded by Innogy plc, however, it was acquired by RWE in 2002. In the first 6 months of 2015, it was reported that the company only earned £38, compared to its 2014’s profit of £100m. SSE Also known as Southern Electric Business Electricity, SSE is considered as the largest UK energy supplier. It has over 2.8 million customers and 21,118 staffs. It is known for generating and supplying electricity and gas, however, it is also involved in the operation of telecom networks and other services such as gas storage, contracting, and metering. Alistair Phillips-Davies is the current Chief Executive Officer of SSE Plc. Scottish Power The energy and gas supplier is based in Glasgow, Scotland. It has over 3 million customers and more than 9,000 employees. Previously, it was a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index, however, it turned into Iberdrola’s subsidiary in 2006. E.On Previously owned as Powergen, the company was acquired by a German E.On Group in 2007, one of the world’s largest investor-owned gas and power brands. It formerly served Midlands region in the UK, however, after the acquisition, it already supplies in any region. It has over 5 million customers and more than 15,000 employees in the UK and 79,000 worldwide. EDF Energy Known as an integrated energy company in the UK, EDF provides gas and electricity to homes and businesses in the country. The company’s headquarter is based in London, England with over 13,000 employees who handles more than 5 million customer accounts. John Rittenhouse is the existing Chief Executive Officer of EDF. |