Power chief’s deal with son investigated

THE boss of UK Power Networks is under scrutiny after it had to order a probe into a multimillionpound contract awarded to a firm where his son is a senior director.

The company, Britain’s largest electricity distribution network operator, asked accountants KPMG to carry out a forensic investigation after a whistleblower raised concerns over chief executive Basil Scarsella’s ties.

It related to an IT deal, worth £75m, awarded to Enzen, where Scarsella’s son David is business operations director.

The whistleblower alleged the contract was awarded unfairly, citing conflicts of interest due to the family relationship. The individual also queried Enzen’s financial stability, documents show.

While KPMG found ‘no evidence of any wrongdoing’ by UK Power Networks or staff, the details are likely to raise questions over how consumers’ money is spent.

UK Power Networks said the matter was closed, adding: ‘Independent assessors reporting to our chairman of the audit committee have investigated... and found no evidence of any wrongdoing.’

KPMG declined to comment, and Enzen could not be contacted .