National Energy System Operator Explained

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) is the nationalised energy system operator for the United Kingdom. Previously owned by National Grid plc, when it was known as National Grid ESO, it is a public corporation which operates both the electricity and gas distribution systems from 1 October 2024.^{[1] [2]} The buyout from National Grid was announced in September 2024, and was valued at £630m.^[3]

NESO is chaired by Paul Golby and its chief executive officer is Fintan Slye.^{[4] [5]}

NESO has been set up as the Independent System Operator and Planner (ISOP) under the provisions of part 5 of the Energy Act 2023,^[6] and was previously known informally as the Future System Operator (FSO) prior to the announcement of its official name.^[7] It holds the licences for operating the electricity system and for planning the gas system.^[8]

NESO is expected to work closely with Great British Energy to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy in the United Kingdom.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Web site: New publicly owned National Energy System Operator to pave the way to a clean energy future . 13 September 2024. 2024-09-13 . GOV.UK . en.
2. Web site: ESO announces the name of the forthcoming Future System Operator . 2024-09-13 . www.nationalgrideso.com.
3. News: Ambrose . Jillian . 2024-09-13 . UK government to buy electricity system operator from National Grid for £630m . 2024-09-13 . The Guardian.
4. Web site: 2024 . Meet the team . 1 October 2024 . NESO.
5. News: Ambrose . Jillian . 1 October 2024 . he man in charge of Labour's green energy dream: 'It's at the limit of what's achievable' . 1 October 2024 . The Guardian.
6. Web site: Energy Act 2023, Part Five . 2024-09-14 . www.legislation.gov.uk.
7. Web site: Becoming the National Energy System Operator . 1 October 2024 . NESO.
8. Web site: Decision notice to establish National Energy System Operator (NESO). 2024-09-13 . Ofgem . en. 13 September 2024.