By Jeff Salway UK ENERGY suppliers are exploiting their customers through anti- competitive practices, MPs have been told.

Competition in the energy market is a "myth", a consumer watchdog told MPs yesterday. Consumers are "getting it in the neck" from bloated and inefficient gas and electricity companies which feel no need to innovate or compete for business, Energywatch chief executive Allan Asher said.

Industry watchdog Energywatch has stated that the UK's energy suppliers are exhibiting cartel-like behavior and should be investigated by the Competition Commission, according to the Observer.

By TOM McGHIE ENERGY bills are soaring. The era of the average Pounds 1,000-a- year fuel charge has arrived, helped on by last week's decision by British Gas to raise prices for its 18 million customers by 15 per cent.

The Energy Retail Association, energywatch and Utility Week have joined forces to call upon the UK government to turn its promise to bring smart meters into UK homes into a detailed plan of action to deliver the goods.