The UK’s energy networks are to offer some energy suppliers the ability to defer payment of network charges, in order to offer additional protection to customers, following a request by the energy regulator Ofgem.
Ofgem’s Chief Executive Jonathan Brearley announced the measures in a blog post and open letter published this morning.
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the energy networks have been working to keep Britain’s energy flowing and provide help and support to vulnerable customers.
Deferring the payment of network charges for some suppliers through a facility worth more than £350m will help ease cash flow for these suppliers, reducing the likelihood of them leaving the market.
Ofgem has confirmed that the scheme will be available as a last resort option, once all other lines of credit have been exhausted and that suppliers and gas shippers may apply to access the scheme where they, their parent company or any other company within their group do not have an investment-grade credit rating and therefore have fewer options for securing financing.
The measures are being offered at a time when there is increased pressure across the energy sector. Network companies are continuing to invest heavily in the networks of the future, which must support the UK’s continued need to replace ageing assets and ensure a transition to net-zero emissions.
David Smith, Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association said:
“We are continuing to keep Britain’s energy flowing during the COVID-19 pandemic and offer support to customers, especially those who are vulnerable. The networks are prepared to use their borrowing powers to help ease cash flow for suppliers by more than £350m. We want to ensure customers are protected and recognise that this exceptional measure will help do just that.”
Press contacts for journalists
Ross Easton
Director, External Affairs
Energy Networks Association
020 7706 5104
ross.easton@energynetworks.org
ENA Press Office
Notes to editor
The energy networks support 36,000 jobs in the UK and further investment in infrastructure which supports a low carbon future is seen as a ‘green print’ to the UK’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
At Ofgem’s direction, the scheme has been created to be in the interests of customers and is consistent with the following high-level principles. It:
- makes a meaningful contribution to the risk of suppliers failing
- preserves network companies’ financial resilience
- avoids moral hazard, targets the source of the problem, and is geared to be used to the minimum extent possible
- is capable of implementation with minimal modification to existing arrangements
- is generally consistent across sectors
The relief will apply to three months’ worth of payments and will be repayable on a revised profile with interest. The networks will not profit from any interest charges.
A minimum payment will be required in accordance with the normal payment terms in respect of any invoice raised.
Any given network company’s scheme will be withdrawn at any time if any entity in that network company’s group breaches any of its financial covenants as a result of continuing to provide the scheme.
Update 8 June 2020: the application form is now available online.
About Energy Networks Association
Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the electricity wires, gas pipes and energy system in the UK and Ireland.
ENA helps its members meet the challenge of delivering electricity and gas to communities across the UK and Ireland safely, sustainably and reliably.
Its members include every major electricity and gas network operator in the UK and Ireland, independent operators, National Grid ESO which operates the electricity system in Great Britain and National Gas which operates the gas system in Great Britain. Its affiliate membership also includes companies with an interest in energy, including Heathrow Airport and Network Rail.
What are energy network operators?
Energy network operators manage and maintain the wires, pipes and other infrastructure which delivers electricity and gas to your home, business and community. They are private companies which are regulated by Ofgem and employ around 40,000 people in Great Britain.