COVENTRY, UK—Energy supplier E.On has consolidated corporate, consumer and B2B PR duties with Hill+Knowlton Strategies after a competitive review, the Holmes Report has learned.

The move sees H+K take charge of a six-figure assignment that was previously handled by 3 Monkeys. H+K also takes charge of regional media relations duties, which were previously handled by Tangerine PR.

German-owned E.On, which ranks third among the UK's 'big six' energy companies, began the PR review more than six months ago, in a bid to renew its efforts to build consumer trust.

The power industry's reputation remains tarnished by claims of profiteering, resulting in an ongoing investigation of the sector by the Competition and Markets Authority. Regulator Ofgem also penalised E.On last year for failing to meet its licence obligations.

E.On became the first of the big six to cut prices this year, after a drop in wholesale costs, amid continued political pressure. Ofgem called the move a "small step in the right direction".

An E.On spokesperson declined to comment, noting that the company is in the "final stages of negotiation."