VerbatimParliament, as it happens

National Energy System Operator: Reform

Asked by Mrs Elsie BlundellLabourDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled Answered 21 January 2026UIN 105483

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to reform the National Energy Security Operator.

Answered by Michael Shanks

On 1 October 2024, the Secretary of State established the National Energy System Operator (NESO) to support the energy transition including a more strategically planned approach to the energy system. NESO, a public corporation, was designed to operate independently of commercial energy interests and day-to-day Government control.

NESO is an expert adviser to Government and Ofgem and a partner in delivering the UK’s energy ambitions. Ofgem regulates NESO, approves its business plan and monitors value for money and performance.

Since its establishment just over a year ago, the Government has been working closely and constructively with NESO and there are no plans to reform NESO

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim