Electric firm’s boss investigated over contract awarded to son’s company

The boss of UK Power Networks has come under scrutiny after the firm was forced to order an investigation into a multimillionpound contract awarded to a company in which his son is a senior director.

According to documents, the company, which is responsible for delivering electricity to south-east England, asked KPMG to carry out a “forensic investigation” after a whistleblower raised concerns over chief executive Basil Scarsella’s family ties. The probe related to an IT contract awarded by UK Power Networks to a firm called Enzen where Mr Scarsella’s son David is business operations director.

KPMG found “no evidence of any wrongdoing” but details of the probe are likely to raise questions over how consumer’s money is being spent.

UK Power Networks said in a statement: “Independent assessors reporting to our chairman of the audit committee have investigated this allegation and found no evidence of any wrongdoing by UK Power Networks or any of its employees.” KPMG declined to comment, Enzen could not be reached for comment.