Nuclear power usage has remained fairly constant at around 23 million t.o.e. Since privatisation in 1990, the industry has been controlled by a regulator. Many companies new to the UK electricity industry are now active players. There are now numerous companies engaged in the supply of electricity, some with little or no history in the industry, which demonstrates how easily electricity can be traded as a commodity. Indeed, energy trading is now a well-established activity, both in the UK and the rest of Europe.
Many current issues facing the industry relate to environmental matters.
The Utilities Bill is also important and is due to be implemented in late 2000. Major changes are taking place in Europe, which could lead to further investment in the UK industry by foreign companies. Many of the current owners of UK electricity companies are US owned.