Dr Kim Howells, minister for Competition And
Consumer Affairs, has decided not to refer to the CC the proposed
merger of American Electric Power and Central and South West
Corporation, in accordance with the advice of the Director General
of Fair Trading (DGFT) and in the light of views expressed by the
Director General of Electricity Supply (DGES).
He agreed with the DGFT that the competition and
regulatory concerns do not warrant a reference to the CC now that
the companies involved have offered non-statutory assurances. The
DGES intends to incorporate these commitments into licence
conditions, which are enforceable under the Electricity Act 1989,
and until this is completed the parties have said they will behave
as if the modifications had been made.
(DTI Press Release P/2000/51)