Despite the imposition of the first phase of the EU directives in July 2004 and the European Commission's aim of bringing about a single European energy market, there are still wide variations in competitive conditions in Europe's energy markets. These differences impact all elements of the value chain from wholesale supply procurement, through transportation right through to end user pricing.

• insight into the current levels of competitiveness in 10 key markets
• forecasts of future competitive dynamics and their future evolution throughout the gas and power value chains
• forecasts of switching rates in the residential and non-residential sectors verified by over 100 expert interviews with market players

Despite the fact that each market will continue to have its own unique idiosyncrasies and barriers and enablers to entry, a common theme across most markets will be the need to attack the positions of incumbent monopolies and the problems associated with overcoming consumer apathy and lack of knowledge regarding switching

Whilst the UK will continue to lead competitive intensity in both the gas and power sectors, other markets will evolve at widely differing speeds in terms of competitive intensity

The ways in which individual markets become more attractive will also vary widely. Different markets will become more attractive to new entrants as a result of widely different value chain elements improving and facilitating competition

• Assess the competitive environments in 10 of Europe's key gas and power markets both now and in the future
• Gain insight into value chain factors driving market competitiveness and how each individual part of the chain will evolve as competition develops
• Screen future market entry plans against the MCI scores to highlight key areas of potential risk and opportunity