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German utility RWE is reported to have made an indicative all-cash offer for British Energy of close to 700p a share.

A new round of investigations are to be held into improper practices by utility companies. Scottish Power and Scottish & Southern Energy are facing action over alleged anti-competitive practices.

South West Water owner Pennon Group has expanded its waste management business with a £23 million acquisition of a Scottish company that recycles fridges, computers, light bulbs and other electrical equipment.

Scottish & Southern Energy will increase its residential energy prices from 1 April.

Energy giant Centrica has increased full-year operating by 40% to £1.95 billion. With a five-fold increase in British Gas earnings, the utilities group looks set for a strong 2008.

British Gas owner Centrica has warned of a 'difficult environment' for UK retail gas suppliers in 2008. The warning follows rising wholesale gas prices.

British Energy will extend the lives of Hinkley Point B and Hunterston B nuclear power stations by five years to 2016.

Severn Trent today said costs associated with the summer's flooding crisis washed away profits growth in the first half.

Utilities group Severn Trent is facing criminal charges from the Serious Fraud Office for misreporting information to the water regulator.

British Energy has warned that its financial year will be 'significantly impacted' by nuclear power station problems.