National Framework Agreement for the Supply of Natural Gas (Flexible Energy)
Framework Description
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust's procurement service hosts F/005, a national framework for natural gas on flexible terms. It offers NHS and public sector organisations an alternative to fixed-price contracts, buying wholesale gas in a way that reflects market conditions. It is a single framework, live until 31 March 2027.
Context & Use Case
Large estates use F/005 to buy gas through flexible, risk-managed purchasing. Rather than fixing a price for a whole contract, buyers can purchase in stages in line with their hedging preferences, with reporting and analytics to track performance. Portfolio management and advisory support help them make purchasing decisions. This suits buyers with large, steady gas demand.
Scope of Services
Flexible wholesale gas purchasing Risk management and hedging strategies Reporting and analytics Portfolio management services Associated procurement advisory support
Lots
Single framework
Who Can Apply
Suits licensed gas suppliers and energy management providers with flexible procurement capability. F/005 is closed to new applications and ends on 31 March 2027, so firms not on it should prepare for any re-tender.
Buyer Benefits
Flexible purchasing can reduce gas costs and price risk for large estates such as hospitals. F/005 lets buyers access this compliantly without their own tender. Buyers value transparent pricing, effective hedging, clear reporting and advice on purchase timing that supports budget planning.
Next Steps
Watch COCH Commercial Procurement Services' energy services frameworks page for news of a re-tender ahead of 31 March 2027. Prepare evidence of flexible gas purchasing performance, licensing, reporting samples and public sector references, and look at other public sector energy frameworks in the meantime.
How Athena Can Help
With F/005 ending in March 2027, gas suppliers should be planning now. Athena's framework pipeline planning shows when this route and other public sector energy frameworks are due to open, and gets your licensing and performance evidence in order.
Our pricing and bid strategy support helps you present hedging performance and costs clearly, and our energy procurement bid advice helps you decide which opportunities to target next. We also compliance-check licensing and reporting evidence before submission, so nothing is lost on technicalities.
