This document has been created to introduce NESO to a broad audience of stakeholders, who may or may not have an existing understanding of Great Britain’s energy landscape. Energy industry stakeholders who wish to see more technical detail regarding NESO’s activities should go to the appendix titled ‘Our commitments to 2026’.
View our glossary for commonly used terms.
Foreword
Fintan Slye,
Chief Executive Officer
“Energy underpins every part of our society and transforming the energy system presents an unparalleled generational opportunity for progress and innovation.
“NESO lies at the heart of that system as an independent, public corporation responsible for planning Great Britain’s electricity and gas networks, operating the electricity system and creating insights and recommendations for the future whole energy system.
“The creation of NESO is driven by an urgent need to unify and optimise our approach to energy. Our current system, though effective in many ways, requires a more integrated and coordinated strategy to meet the unprecedented challenges of climate change, ensuring secure energy supply and making costs manageable for energy consumers.
“Our purpose is to forge the path to a sustainable future for everyone. We must deliver on this purpose while ensuring that our energy system remains secure and affordable.
“Building on the strong foundations of the Electricity System Operator (ESO), we’re already operating one of the world’s fastest decarbonising electricity systems and our ambition is to have periods of zero carbon operation by the end of 2025.
“NESO builds on this, bringing together critical roles and responsibilities that allow us to find synergies and gaps others would not, because we have that whole system view. Our independence means we’ll consider things from all perspectives not favouring one technology or stakeholder.
“At the forefront of our efforts will be delivering value for consumers. We’ll work with government, regulators and our customers to create an integrated future-proof system that works for people, communities, businesses and industry, where everyone has access to clean, reliable and affordable energy.”
Paul Golby
Chair of the NESO Board
“It’s a privilege to be the inaugural NESO Chair at such a critical juncture for the UK energy industry.
“The transition to a decarbonised energy system requires an independent and authoritative voice. I look forward to engaging with government, industry, Ofgem and community leaders as NESO provides that leadership and advice.
“Decarbonising the energy system at pace is an immense challenge whilst ensuring affordability and security of supply. We will need to push boundaries, challenge prior thinking and innovate to succeed.
“This is a remarkable opportunity that demands collective action. We can’t deliver this essential energy transition unless we bring people, communities and society with us. We will strive to deliver the partnerships needed to do so.”