Energy Secretary: 'Big six review will help clear the air'

Energy Secretary Ed Davey has said he welcomes an investigation into whether the "big six" UK energy suppliers are preventing effective market competition.

The Competition and Market Authority investigation - expected to take 18 months - follows a report by the regulator Ofgem.

Mr Davey told the BBC 's Norman Smith: "I welcome the fact they're going to do this deep investigation but it's not going to stop us delivering for consumers and improving markets in the meantime."

Fears it could cause a lack of investment leading to power cuts were "just wrong", he added: "The lights are staying on, investment is booming and we can afford to have this competition review - actually it will help clear the air."