Avangrid Named World’s Most Ethical Company for 7th Year
Avangrid, Inc., a leading energy company and a member of the Iberdrola Group, has once again solidified its reputation as a global leader in ethical business practices. The company announced its recognition by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® for the seventh consecutive year, reaffirming its commitment to integrity, compliance, and corporate responsibility. Ethisphere, a globally respected organization that defines and advances the standards of ethical business conduct, recognized 136 honorees across 19 countries and 44 industries in 2025. Avangrid was among just seven honorees in the Energy and Utilities sector, further highlighting its leadership in ethical governance within a crucial industry.
“Avangrid is committed to a code of ethics that serves as the foundation for how we do business,” said Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid. “We are proud to once again have earned this recognition as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For seven consecutive years, Avangrid and Iberdrola have demonstrated our dedication to operating with the highest ethical standards. We will continue to uphold these principles as industry leaders in driving positive change in the global business community.”
Commitment to Ethics and Compliance
Avangrid’s inclusion in the list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® is a testament to its robust ethics and compliance program. The company actively fosters a corporate culture where ethical business practices are prioritized and reinforced through continuous monitoring, training, and adherence to best practices.
In 2024 alone, Avangrid Compliance conducted over 800 third-party vendor screenings, answered 205 requests for guidance from employees and stakeholders, and registered more than 11,000 hours of ethics and compliance training. These figures highlight Avangrid’s proactive approach to ensuring that ethical considerations are embedded in all aspects of its business operations.
Earlier this year, Avangrid achieved another significant milestone when it was awarded the Compliance Leader Verification from Ethisphere for the fourth consecutive term (2025-2026). This distinction further underscores the company’s leadership in ethical business practices and its unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
The Value of Ethical Leadership in Business
Ethisphere’s recognition of Avangrid aligns with broader research showing that companies with strong ethical foundations outperform their competitors in terms of financial performance, brand reputation, and employee satisfaction. Ethical leadership plays a crucial role in attracting investors, customers, and top-tier talent who prioritize working with organizations that emphasize integrity and social responsibility.
Erica Salmon Byrne, Ethisphere’s Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Chair, emphasized the significance of Avangrid’s achievement: “Congratulations to Avangrid for achieving recognition as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies®. Behind this honor is a true dedication and a commitment to advancing business integrity. This approach is good for business—employees and other stakeholders value companies that prioritize the kinds of practices we measure with our process.”
The long-term benefits of ethical governance are well-documented. According to Ethisphere’s analysis, the listed 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies® honorees outperformed a comparable index of global companies by 7.8 percentage points from January 2020 to January 2025. This data reinforces the idea that ethical companies not only uphold strong values but also deliver superior financial performance over time.
Driving Positive Change in the Energy Sector
Avangrid’s recognition is particularly noteworthy within the energy and utilities sector, an industry that faces increasing scrutiny regarding its environmental and social impact. As the world transitions to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, ethical leadership is more critical than ever.
Avangrid and its parent company, Iberdrola, have been at the forefront of the clean energy movement, investing heavily in renewable energy projects, smart grids, and sustainability initiatives. The company’s ethical business practices align with its broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments, ensuring that it not only meets regulatory standards but also drives meaningful change in the energy landscape.
Strengthening Compliance and Transparency
Avangrid’s success in maintaining a best-in-class ethics and compliance program stems from its focus on transparency and continuous improvement. Key elements of its compliance program include:
- Code of Ethics and Conduct: Avangrid maintains a comprehensive code of ethics that provides employees with clear guidance on ethical decision-making and expected business conduct.
- Regular Training and Education: The company ensures that all employees receive ongoing training on ethics, compliance, and anti-corruption policies to reinforce a culture of integrity.
- Whistleblower Protection and Reporting Mechanisms: Avangrid has established confidential reporting channels to encourage employees to report ethical concerns without fear of retaliation.
- Supplier and Partner Oversight: By conducting thorough third-party screenings, Avangrid ensures that its vendors and partners adhere to the same high ethical standards.
- Leadership Accountability: Company executives and board members are actively involved in shaping and upholding Avangrid’s ethical standards, ensuring that integrity remains a top priority at every level of the organization.
Avangrid’s continued recognition as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® serves as a testament to its unwavering commitment to integrity, sustainability, and corporate responsibility. As the company continues to expand its clean energy initiatives and invest in infrastructure improvements, its ethical foundation will remain a guiding force in its decision-making and operations.
The energy sector is undergoing rapid transformation, and Avangrid’s leadership in ethical governance positions it well for future success. By prioritizing transparency, compliance, and responsible business practices, Avangrid not only enhances its own competitiveness but also sets a standard for the industry as a whole.
As more companies recognize the value of ethical leadership, Avangrid’s example underscores the importance of aligning business strategies with ethical principles. The company’s recognition by Ethisphere for seven consecutive years is not just an accolade—it is a reflection of a deep-seated commitment to doing business the right way.
