Utilities: sector news on Thursday 22 October 2026
Average tone +2.0 (slightly positive) across 6 companies with relevant coverage, from 41 stories.
How to read a score. Each score rates how good or bad the news was for the company, from −10 (clearly bad) to +10 (clearly good). 0 is neutral, and anything beyond ±6 is strong and rare. It rates the coverage, not the share price.
Company by company
| Company | Tone | Stories | What the coverage was about |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Utilities | −0.5 | 17 | Coverage was dominated by United Utilities' £3.6bn-£3.7bn Windermere sewage tunnel proposal, with some outlets stressing the cost to customers. |
| National Grid | −3.7 | 11 | Coverage was mixed, with reputational pressure from accusations of a cover-up over a near-blackout and reports of blackout risk being monitored in Microsoft Word. |
| Centrica | +5.0 | 5 | Coverage was mostly positive, with Centrica shares rising and outperforming the market, and backing for the company linked to Sizewell B. |
| Metlen Energy & Metals | +7.2 | 3 | Coverage mainly concerned Metlen's plan to produce 50 tonnes of gallium in Greece, with prices rising and Europe seeking to reduce reliance on China. |
| SSE | +8.7 | 3 | Coverage focused on SSE giving Seaway7 a large contract covering cables and foundations for Berwick Bank B, its offshore wind development. |
| Severn Trent | −4.7 | 2 | Coverage was limited to local service issues, with roadworks drawing scrutiny from an MP in Stoke-on-Trent and a burst pipe disrupting water supply in Kidderminster. |
Strongest stories in the sector
- −10.0 Grid operator faces cover-up allegation about a near-blackout; reputational damage.
- +9.2 Gallium output target amid soaring prices is a growth opportunity.
- +9.2 SSE awards key Berwick Bank B contract, advancing major offshore wind project.
- +8.7 SSE's 1.4GW Scottish wind scheme has Seaway 7 in line for work.
- +8.3 SSE contracts Seaway7 for cables and foundations, project progress.
- +7.7 Centrica gains backing linked to Sizewell B nuclear stake.
- +7.0 Greek gallium plan positions Metlen in Europe's drive to cut China reliance.
- +6.7 Community funding from Bramford to Twinstead project; positive local relations.
- −6.7 Blackout risk monitored with Word; embarrassing for grid operator.
- −6.7 UBS keeps Sell rating with target below share price.
- −6.7 UBS maintains its Sell recommendation before trading begins.
- +6.7 Completed £50m investment improving river water quality.
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