FTSE 100 news / Companies and sectors / Utilities / 9 October 2026
Utilities: sector news on Friday 9 October 2026
Average tone +0.8 (neutral) across 6 companies with relevant coverage, from 17 stories.
Company by company
| Company | Tone | Stories | What the coverage was about |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Grid | +4.5 | 6 | Coverage was mixed: the Great Grid Upgrade is reported ahead of schedule and a SAR 1.3 billion deal was signed. |
| United Utilities | −2.0 | 5 | Coverage mixed local disruption, including a burst sewage main and long road closure for water main works, with questions over the dividend and funding. |
| Severn Trent | −4.2 | 3 | Coverage was mostly about operational problems, with a sewage leak forcing tenants from their homes and an apology for disruption in Shrewsbury. |
| Centrica | +3.0 | 1 | The only relevant coverage reported Centrica's shares gaining 1.06 percent while Spirit Energy narrows its focus. |
| Metlen Energy & Metals | −2.5 | 1 | Coverage centred on Metlen exploring a listing of METKA, while its shares fell 2.51 percent. |
| SSE | +5.8 | 1 | The only relevant coverage said SSE reaffirmed its earnings guidance, which is mildly reassuring, although the shares were noted as still below their high. |
Strongest stories in the sector
- +10.0 National Grid ahead of schedule on Great Grid Upgrade
Great Grid Upgrade progressing ahead of schedule. - +9.2 National Grid signs SAR 1.3 billion deal: what it means for Saudi Electricity stock
National Grid wins SAR 1.3 billion deal. - −7.5 ‘P**s dripping from the ceilings’: Tenants forced from homes by ‘shocking’ sewage leak
Sewage leak forcing tenants out; likely Severn Trent area, reputational harm. - −6.7 Emergency road closure after pressurised sewage main bursts and leaks into brook
Sewage main burst leaking into brook; operational and reputational issue. - +5.8 SSE reaffirmed earnings guidance as SSE stock sits 14.05 percent below its high
SSE reaffirmed earnings guidance, though shares remain below their high. - −5.0 Analysts cut fair value to GBp 1,339.80 for National Grid stock
Analysts cut fair value estimate. - +5.0 Water firm holds first affordability and vulnerability summit in North West
Hosting affordability and vulnerability summit; positive customer engagement. - −3.3 National Grid stock trades near GBX1,166 resistance as short-term rally fades
Rally fading near resistance level. - −3.3 Severn Trent Water apologise for disruption due to 'essential changes' in Shrewsbury
Apology for disruption from works in Shrewsbury. - +3.0 Centrica stock gains 1.06 percent while Spirit Energy narrows focus
Share price rose 1.06 percent; Spirit Energy narrowing focus. - +3.0 Plans to install inflatable obstacle course at popular Derbyshire reservoir submitted
Leisure plans at its reservoir; minor, mildly positive community use. - −2.5 Metlen explores METKA listing. Metlen Energy & Metals stock falls 2.51 percent
Metlen exploring METKA listing; shares fell 2.51 percent.