Create a Government, state owned energy provider, set low prices to just cover costs. If competitors want to stay in business they must reduce prices to compete or fold. No extra expense for buying back franchises etc. Just compete and help our own people.
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Certain things like utilities should be offered at honest prices to the public throughout the UK. It is simply not fair or decent to let any businesses profiteer on the back of making ordinary people suffer financial hardships when it is not necessary.
A government-run utility company could offer mass employment and honest prices whilst making a modest profit to cover costs. This would also negate the constant tax incentives or payments to help people cope and force honest competition.