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Power Failures

Asked by Lee AndersonReform UKDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 21761

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps her department is taking to prevent electricity system collapse.

Answered by Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Great Britain has a highly resilient energy system. Maintaining a secure electricity supply is a key priority for the Government.

Government works closely with industry and regulators to improve and maintain the resilience and security of energy infrastructure and is confident the likelihood of a large-scale power outage remains low.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has tools available to manage the system under a wide range of scenarios. The Government regularly engages with NESO and industry to understand risks to the energy system and ensure robust plans are in place to mitigate the impacts of electricity disruption.

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