National Grid PLC (LON:NG.) was the FTSE 100 index’s top faller on Tuesday after the power distributor said it is "disappointed" by the proposed financial package in energy regulator Ofgem's consultation for the next set of price controls.
In a statement, the company said it "welcomes" the Ofgem’s "continued commitment" to the key principles of the new RIIO-2 regulatory framework, which involved "incentives, innovation and output based regulation".
READ: National Grid expects top end medium term growth as dividend hiked
However, National Grid added that it is "disappointed" by the cost of equity range, which the company does not believe "appropriately reflects the level of risk borne by transmission networks".
The regulator has proposed baseline cost of equity returns at 4%, a halving from the previous price controls.
Ofgem also has proposed keeping the adjusting cost of debt unchanged to reflect the fall in UK interest rates since the financial crisis in 2008.
It estimates the reforms will save UK energy consumers £45 per year from 2021 when the RIIO-2 regulatory framework will come into effect for companies running the gas and electricity transmission and distribution networks in the UK.
Driving a hard bargain
Jonathan Brearley, Ofgem executive director for Systems & Networks commented: "We want to cut the cost to consumers for accommodating electric vehicles, renewables and electricity storage, and make sure that all consumers benefit from these technologies.
"This will mean driving a harder bargain with network companies to ensure that households who need it always have access to safe and secure energy at a fair price."
In response, National Grid said: "In order to deliver the major capital programme required across our networks in a rapidly changing energy market, we need to ensure the regulatory framework also provides for fair returns to shareholders and enables us to continue to deliver world class networks for consumers.”
Prospective dividend worries
Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell commented: “Plans by energy regulator Ofgem to cut the cost of capital for networks as part of a shake-up of the energy system is negative for investors who own shares in certain parts of the utility sector.
“Energy distribution group National Grid, loved by many investors for its dividends, is particularly affected by the announcement.”
He added: “The consensus analyst forecast is for National Grid to pay 48.9p per share in dividends for the financial year to March 2020, implying a 6.1% yield. One could expect dividends beyond 2021 to potentially be less generous should Ofgem’s proposals be finalised without any amendments.
“It shows that even the most defensive companies are still at risk from regulatory changes.”
In early afternoon trading, National Grid shares were 6.1% lower at 784.30p.
-- Adds analyst comment, updates share price --