Open letter: Sale of National Grid’s Gas Distribution Networks Business

Correspondence and other

Publication date

Industry sector

  • Distribution Network
  • Transmission Network

In November 2015, National Grid publicly stated that it is planning to sell a majority stake in its UK Gas Distribution Network business, presently owned by National Grid Gas plc (‘NGG’).

The proposed sale will require our consent in two key areas:

  • First, we expect NGG to request our consent to transfer gas distribution network assets outside of its operational control, most likely into another subsidiary held by National Grid.
  • Second, we expect NGG to request our consent to transfer its gas distribution licence. These arrangements may also result in the need to modify the gas transmission licence held by NGG. We expect to receive these requests shortly.

In light of National Grid’s announcement on 10 November 2015, we confirm that we will conduct a consultation on the matters above in due course with stakeholders.

On 16 February 2016 National Grid launched its own consultation on the sale of a majority stake in its gas distribution network business which closed on 8 March 2016. See National Grid's response to this consultation.