In the UK, gas and electricity are essential utilities for every property—but understanding who supplies national energy is more complex than simply naming a company. The energy system is made up of multiple layers: generation, transmission, distribution, and retail supply.
For real estate professionals, knowing how gas and electricity are supplied helps you navigate development feasibility, energy compliance, tenant satisfaction, and operating costs. Fraser Bond offers this breakdown of the UK’s energy supply system and its implications for the property market.
Energy is first produced or imported.
Electricity: Generated from gas, nuclear, wind, solar, hydro, and biomass sources.
Gas: Extracted from the North Sea or imported via pipelines and LNG terminals.
The high-voltage (electricity) and high-pressure (gas) networks that transport energy across the country:
National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) – handles high-voltage electricity
National Gas (formerly National Grid Gas Transmission) – manages the gas pipeline network
These entities don’t sell energy to consumers—they operate the infrastructure that gets it where it needs to go.
Energy is stepped down and delivered to individual homes and buildings through regional networks:
Electricity DNOs (Distribution Network Operators) – e.g., UK Power Networks, Northern Powergrid
Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) – e.g., Cadent, SGN, Wales & West Utilities
This is where you, as a developer, landlord, or tenant, engage directly. Retail suppliers sell energy to end users, handle billing, customer service, and tariff options.
While the UK’s energy market is deregulated (meaning customers can choose their supplier), some of the largest and most recognised gas and electricity suppliers include:
British Gas
EDF Energy
E.ON Next
Octopus Energy
ScottishPower
OVO Energy
Shell Energy (domestic)
These companies purchase energy from generators, access the national grid, and resell energy to homes and businesses. Some specialise in renewable energy tariffs, which can be advantageous for eco-conscious developments and ESG reporting.
When developing or retrofitting properties, availability of supply and capacity in the local DNO or GDN matters. Fraser Bond helps clients evaluate these factors early in the planning process.
Reliable energy supply and competitive tariffs enhance tenant satisfaction and reduce operating costs—particularly in multi-unit or BTR developments.
Choosing suppliers with green energy tariffs can help improve EPC ratings, reduce emissions, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements like the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).
Most major suppliers now support smart meter rollouts, which benefit landlords and tenants alike by improving billing transparency and reducing waste.
At Fraser Bond, we advise clients on more than just bricks and mortar. Our team:
Assesses energy provider performance in target locations
Recommends utility partners for residential and commercial portfolios
Supports compliance with energy legislation and smart meter installation
Helps investors integrate renewable energy supply into ESG frameworks
We ensure your properties are aligned with the UK’s evolving energy landscape—both from a commercial and compliance perspective.
So, who supplies national gas and electricity in the UK?
While National Grid and other operators maintain the infrastructure, retail suppliers like British Gas, EDF, and Octopus Energy are the ones property professionals work with directly. Choosing the right supplier—and understanding the layers of energy supply—is vital for investment strategy, development planning, and long-term value creation.
With Fraser Bond’s expert support, you can make confident, energy-aware decisions that strengthen your position in a competitive property market.
