Should essential utility companies be renationalised?

Question

In view of the ridicules price hikes announced by British Gas (35%) set against record profits, how can we be confident that these companies are being run for the benefit of consumers and not for the benefit of share holders? Should essential utility companies (Gas, Electricity, Water & Rail) be renationalised to ensure the stability of our infrastructure and society?

Answer 1

I agree with you 100%, however it will not happen.

Answer 2

Yes. Private companies can never really give us a good deal because they are run for profit and for the benefit of share holders. There is also the illusion that because we have private companies running utilities, we also have choice. However the truth is these companies are virtual monopolies and ultimately we have no choice but to stomp up the dosh. Unless the profiteering can be reduced by legislation/taxation, and that is not happening at the moment, then the answer is yes to the renationalisation question.

Answer 3

you bet ye.

Answer 4

O.K. - renationalise them so that they can be as efficient as the NHS, the education service, the Foreign Office, the benefits agencies and the Inland Revenue.

Thank you, no.

Bad as the companies concerned might be, they'd be even worse under public ownership. Overpriced, perhaps, but at least if you pay you get some gas. The NHS is overpriced too - but you don't get an ambulance when you need one, or not for a couple of hours.

A case in point - I know a woman who works in a doctor's surgery. A man collapsed in the waiting-room and a doctor called the ambulance on an emergency basis. Eventually (2 hours later) the doctor reluctantly loaded the patient into the back of his own estate car & drove him into hospital, where he was (after another delay) examined and treated.

If British Gas ever make me wait for hours for fuel, after I've paid up all my bills in full, I might want them renationalised. As it is, no.