Independent (UK): Privatisation of the energy sector 20 years ago was intended to deliver great benefits to consumers. Out would go the monolithic nationalised industry and in would come a vibrant collection of competing independent providers. Competition would hold down prices and drive improvements in customer service. That was the theory. But it has not worked out like that in practice. The number of suppliers has fallen from more than 20 in the late 1990s to six dominant conglomerates today. …