Foreword
A changing energy landscape
National Energy System Operator
A whole system challenge
Our purpose, vision and values
What we do
Roles and responsibilities
Our priorities
Our governance
Meet our Leadership Team
Closing remarks
Foreword
A changing energy landscape
National Energy System Operator
A whole system challenge
Our purpose, vision and values
What we do
Roles and responsibilities
Our priorities
Our governance
Meet our Leadership Team
Closing remarks

Contents

Roles and responsibilities

2 people on a path surrounded by trees
2 people on a path surrounded by trees
2 people on a path surrounded by trees

We are the independent system operator and planner established under the Energy Act 2023. We operate today’s electricity system and design tomorrow’s energy system.

Our role is to help deliver a reliable, clean and affordable energy system for Great Britain.

At NESO we:

  • Securely, efficiently and transparently operate the national electricity system, balancing supply and demand and procuring or administering the services needed for system operation

  • Carry out strategic whole-system planning, forecasting and assessment across electricity and gas, identifying current and future system needs and coordinating relevant planning processes

  • Develop and improve the markets, system services, connections arrangements and reforms that fall within our remit and make evidence-based recommendations where decisions sit with government, Ofgem or another body

  • Provide impartial and evidence-based analysis, advice and information to government and Ofgem to support decisions on the future energy system.

In carrying out our functions, we are required to promote our statutory objectives on net zero, security of supply, and efficiency and economy. We also consider the impacts on facilitating competition, consumer and whole-system, and facilitating innovation.

At NESO we:

  • Securely, efficiently and transparently operate the national electricity system, balancing supply and demand and procuring or administering the services needed for system operation

  • Carry out strategic whole-system planning, forecasting and assessment across electricity and gas, identifying current and future system needs and coordinating relevant planning processes

  • Develop and improve the markets, system services, connections arrangements and reforms that fall within our remit and make evidence-based recommendations where decisions sit with government, Ofgem or another body

  • Provide impartial and evidence-based analysis, advice and information to government and Ofgem to support decisions on the future energy system.

In carrying out our functions, we are required to promote our statutory objectives on net zero, security of supply, and efficiency and economy. We also consider the impacts on facilitating competition, consumer and whole-system, and facilitating innovation.

How we work with government and the regulator

We work closely with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and Ofgem. We each have different roles and make our own decisions. Together, we share evidence and expertise to help deliver a reliable, clean and affordable energy system for Great Britain.

How we work with government

How we work with DESNZ

DESNZ sets the policy and regulatory framework for the energy sector in Great Britain, aligned with wider government priorities. Its strategic priorities are set out in their Strategy and Policy Statement. We provide independent advice, analysis and evidence to help inform DESNZ’s policy and decision-making. We also have a role in implementing government policy decisions that fall within NESO’s remit.

Find out more about DESNZ’s role and responsibilities.

How we work with Ofgem

Ofgem regulates NESO through our electricity system operator and gas system planner licences and associated guidance holding us to account for the cost, quality and timeliness of our delivery. We work closely with Ofgem, sharing evidence, analysis and expertise to support effective regulation and decision-making. We maintain a collaborative relationship while respecting our respective statutory responsibilities and independence.

Find out more about Ofgem’s role and responsibilities.

Next
Our Priorities

Read on