As part of a more strategic approach to delivering clean power by 2030, Britain’s electricity and gas network planning will be brought under one roof with the launch of an independent National Energy System Operator (NESO).

Coming about on the back of an agreement by the government to acquire the Electricity System Operator and transfer it to public ownership, NESO is set to start work on 1 October. It will be chaired by former E.ON CEO Dr Paul Golby, with Fintan Slye as the Chief Executive Officer.

In a 13 September press statement published by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband was quoted as saying that NESO would break down the siloes which currently exist between the planning of electricity and gas systems, with independent oversight for the design of all Great Britain’s energy networks.

Mr Miliband also said the move would enable investors to build out new energy infrastructure with confidence in how their project will fit into the country’s wider clean energy plan and would “support the government’s rapid action to accelerate to net zero.”

NESO Chair Paul Golby said NESO would 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.

The National Energy System Operator has been established through powers under the Energy Act 2023. This sets out the responsibilities of the new public body to maintain the UK’s energy supplies, protect energy consumers and plan for an efficient clean energy system that is fit for the future.

Real the full press statement here.