Ofgem at fault over 'higher than necessary' UK electricity bills, says NAO

Whitehall's spending watchdog says energy regulator not tough enough on companies

Electricity bills sent to UK homes are higher than they should be because the energy regulator has allowed electricity network companies to rake in bigger than expected profits, according to Whitehall's spending watchdog.

Households have paid at least 1bn more than necessary over recent years, according to the National Audit Office, because the regulator, Ofgem, was not tough enough on the electricity network companies.