The introduction of clearing in the fragmented gas and power markets could help to repair the flailing US wholesale energy markets, according to a new report from Fitch, the international rating agency .

The report echoes calls by many in the beleaguered US energy industry for the establishment of a central clearing house. Clearing has increasingly been pointed to as the key to reviving US power trading, as it would reduce the hefty collateral requirements imposed on many credit-weak companies operating in the sector, at the same time as trimming down the amount of counterparty credit risk.