Mains Gas
Framework Description
ESPO's Mains Gas framework (reference 192_23) covers the supply of mains gas, with ESPO buying gas on the wholesale market on customers' behalf. It runs from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2027 with no extension and also offers bill validation, automated meter reading and meter works. ESPO's successor, Mains Gas 192_27, has been awarded and runs from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2031.
Context & Use Case
Schools, academies, councils and other public bodies use it to buy gas through ESPO's managed wholesale purchasing, avoiding the need to time the market themselves. Supply is by direct award, so schools can join with little admin. Added services such as bill validation help buyers catch billing errors, while meter services cover new connections and upgrades.
Scope of Services
Supply of mains gas Bill validation service Automated Meter Reading (AMR) New meter connections, changes, disconnections and upgrades
Lots
Single lot
Who Can Apply
Suits licensed gas shippers and suppliers. Applications for this framework are closed, and it ends on 31 March 2027. Its successor, 192_27, has already been awarded, so suppliers not appointed cannot join either until ESPO re-tenders, around 31 March 2031.
Buyer Benefits
Buyers get managed wholesale purchasing and a contracted supplier without running their own energy tender. Bill validation and metering services save admin time. Buyers value accurate billing, consumption data, quick meter works and a smooth transition to the new framework from 1 April 2027.
Next Steps
Review ESPO's page for Mains Gas 192_27. Appointed suppliers should plan site transfers for 1 April 2027. Others should plan for the 192_27 re-tender, around 31 March 2031, with evidence of portfolio billing, metering and account management. In the meantime, look at other public sector energy frameworks.
How Athena Can Help
Applications for both 192_23 and its successor are closed, so Athena's help is long term. Our long-term framework planning can plan for the 2031 re-tender and identify other energy frameworks open now. When the time comes, energy bid writing builds win themes on billing, metering and service, and checks compliance before submission. Our public sector bidding help helps with pricing and the bid/no-bid decision, and a bid audit can show where energy contracts in your sector are being awarded.
