The Welsh Government launched a consultation on 7 September 2026 setting out proposals for a single national public energy company, owned by the people of Wales1. The consultation closes on 30 November 20261.
The proposed company would bring together existing energy organisations1. According to the consultation description, it would build on existing Welsh Government-supported energy delivery functions, strengthen Wales's ability to deliver renewable and low carbon energy projects, and help retain more of the value from energy development in Wales for people and communities3. The government says the aim is to increase Welsh ownership of energy projects and help communities, businesses and public services make better use of energy produced in Wales1.
The Welsh Government states that the company would not replace existing energy suppliers or directly set household energy prices1. It says that increasing Welsh ownership of energy projects could help reduce energy costs over time and ensure more money is reinvested in Welsh communities and public services1.
Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy Adam Price said:
"This consultation is about how we can build a stronger Welsh energy sector, support local ownership and create lasting value for future generations. It's about cheaper, cleaner energy that is made and owned in Wales."
Responses can be submitted online, by email to YmatebionYnni-EnergyResponses@gov.wales, or by post to Energy Policy, Welsh Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ, using the response form3.
The Welsh Government also set out existing household support alongside the consultation. It says it is investing more than £37m in the Nest scheme this year to help low-income families escape cold, damp conditions, and continues to invest in direct support through fuel vouchers and heating assistance2. The Nest advice line is open to everyone, offering tips on actions people can take themselves to reduce energy costs as well as assessing eligibility for free energy efficiency measures, on 0808 808 22442. The Claim What's Yours service helps people check their eligibility for extra income, on 0800 702 20202.
Why it matters for households
The proposals do not change how homes buy electricity and gas. The Welsh Government is explicit that the company would not replace existing energy suppliers or directly set household energy prices1. Any effect on bills is framed as a longer-term possibility rather than a commitment: the government says increasing Welsh ownership of energy projects could help reduce energy costs over time1.
For a household, the practical question is who owns the generation and infrastructure behind the energy supply in Wales, rather than who sends the bill. The consultation describes a body that would consolidate existing delivery functions and hold a greater share of Welsh energy development3. Where value is retained locally, the government argues it can be reinvested in Welsh communities and public services1. The scale of any effect on an individual bill has not been reported.
The consultation sits within the wider set of levers the Welsh Government controls on energy and buildings policy in Wales, which differ in places from the rules in England. Network ownership and operation in Wales involve SP Energy Networks in north and mid Wales and Wales & West Utilities for gas, while system operation across Great Britain sits with NESO. None of these arrangements is proposed to change in the consultation as described1.
What happens next
The consultation opened on 7 September 2026 and runs until 30 November 20261. Responses can be made online, by email or by post3. No date has been given for a decision or for the establishment of the company; that has not been reported. The process follows the usual route for energy consultations in which proposals are published, comments are invited, and a response is issued before any rules or bodies are created.
Sources3 cited
- Shape plans for a new clean energy company, owned by Wales, to benefit Wales | Business Wales, businesswales.gov.wales
- Shape plans for a new clean energy company, owned by Wales, to benefit Wales | Welsh Government News, media.service.gov.wales
- Formation of a consolidated Welsh public energy company | GOV.WALES, gov.wales