The UK government has announced the launch of a new publicly owned body, the National Energy System Operator (NESO). This body will play a crucial role in ensuring energy security, lowering bills in the long term, and supporting the country’s transition to clean energy by 2030.
Set to begin operations on October 1, NESO will plan Britain’s energy networks, filling a gap in strategic oversight for the nation’s electricity and gas systems. The body will be chaired by former E.ON CEO Dr. Paul Golby, and Fintan Slye will serve as Chief Executive Officer.
The formation of NESO follows the UK government’s agreement with National Grid to acquire the Electricity System Operator, bringing the operation under public ownership. The move is designed to break down existing barriers between planning electricity and gas systems and offer independent oversight across all energy sectors, including electricity, gas, hydrogen, renewable generation, and emerging technologies such as carbon capture.
Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, said:
Today marks a milestone for Britain’s energy system as we bring the system operator into public ownership to provide impartial, whole-system expertise on building a network that is fit for the future.
The new National Energy System Operator has a huge role to play in delivering our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower.
We need to move Britain off expensive, insecure fossil fuel markets, and onto clean, cheap homegrown power that we control. This is how we reduce bills in the long term, strengthen our energy independence and support skilled jobs across the country.
This is another step forward by a government in a hurry to deliver for the British people.
The initiative aims to make it easier to connect renewable energy projects to the grid, while also providing clear strategic direction to investors looking to build new energy infrastructure. NESO will work closely with Great British Energy to expand the deployment of clean, homegrown power, allowing UK households to benefit from sustainable and secure energy.
NESO’s creation comes as part of the government’s broader push to achieve its net zero targets. The body’s first task, commissioned by Chris Stark, head of the government’s “Mission Control,” will be to provide expert advice on how the UK can meet its goal of delivering 100% clean power by 2030.
This initiative is backed by several recent government actions, including the launch of Great British Energy, the lifting of the onshore wind ban in England, approval for four major solar farms, and the establishment of the Clean Energy Mission Control Centre.
NESO’s responsibilities are outlined under the Energy Act 2023, which entrusts the body with maintaining energy security, protecting consumers, and planning for a future energy system that supports the UK’s net zero goals. NESO will help to streamline grid connections and guide future investments in clean energy infrastructure.
Paul Golby, Chair of the National Energy System Operator said:
This is a pivotal moment as we head closer to the launch of the National Energy System Operator on 1 October. NESO will support a more integrated and coordinated strategy to meet the unprecedented challenges of climate change, ensuring security of energy supply and keeping bills as low as possible.
NESO brings together critical roles and responsibilities under one roof, creating an environment that is essential for success. We will have a broad strategic oversight of both the electricity and gas systems, managing system planning, market operations, and ensuring that our energy infrastructure is secure, resilient, flexible, and future-proof.
By taking a cross-sector approach to energy planning, NESO will ensure that the UK’s energy networks are not only secure but also aligned with the country’s long-term sustainability objectives.