Whistleblower Alleges Neso Concealed Grid Stability Problems on June 23

A whistleblower alleged that senior staff at the National Energy System Operator tried to conceal grid stability problems on June 23. GB News reported the claims that the corporate affairs team interfered in operational decisions to protect the organisation’s reputation. It is claimed the grid fell outside safe operating limits for multiple periods that day.

Wind turbines generated little power while several gas-fired stations experienced outages, and high demand from fans and air conditioning added pressure during the heat. Neso stated it operated securely during an unprecedented period of extreme heat and tight margins across Great Britain and Europe.

The operator said only authorised staff are involved in operations and brought in independent investigators to examine the allegations.

Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho used an urgent question in Parliament to demand answers. She stated that control room operators have the life-or-death job of balancing electricity supply and demand, and that multiple whistleblowers claimed the operator failed to meet grid security standards on June 23. Coutinho added that decisions are being recorded in live documents with no audit trail.

She said Neso has agreed to an external independent investigation, though she noted the inquiry would not examine whether the grid was run securely or offer anonymity to staff. Energy Minister Michael Shanks stated that an external legal firm is conducting a full investigation with results due in the coming weeks.

He said the Great British grid remained stable during the heat, no customers were impacted by tight margins, and demand was met on every day in question.