Credit Rating Agency Licenses

Ofgem requires two rating agencies provide independent analysis of the credit worthiness of the companies that Ofgem regulate. The licences include the requirement to maintain an investment grade rating from one of these agencies and this requirement forms a cornerstone of delivering a financial resilient sector for the benefit of consumers.

Access to the credit rating agencies will enable Ofgem to:

• Access independent analysis on the credit worthiness of companies Ofgem regulate principally the regulated networks. This facilitates Ofgem's management and monitoring of financial resilience which is central to the consumer interest.
• Conduct monitoring to ensure that licensees meet and are likely to continue to meet licence obligations.
• Provide insight into investor perceptions of risk in the areas Ofgem regulate and monitor wider trends in credit risk perception and investor confidence in other analogous sectors.
• Use credit opinions and other information provided by the agencies to help conduct Ofgem's regulatory duties (finance ability assessments) and enhance the regulatory regime.
• To be able to speak to analysts on their reports and view of the credit profile of clients
• Provide access to wider market data helpful for Ofgem's monitoring
• Download financial data for presentation in Ofgem internal analysis