ESO announces the name of the forthcoming Future System Operator

• Major component of last Autumn’s Energy Act moving forward at pace
• The new organisation will be known as “National Energy System Operator” (NESO)
• A public corporation, NESO will be an independent, expert and impartial organisation 
• NESO will be responsible for coordinating across the whole energy system and considering the connections between energy vectors and their relationship with the wider system
• The new organisation will be operational in Summer 2024

National Energy System Operator (NESO) will be a new, independent, public corporation that will be responsible for planning Britain’s electricity and gas networks and operating the electricity system. 

It will be tasked with ensuring that Britain’s energy system is secure and affordable as well as forging the path to a sustainable future for everyone. 

ESO is delighted to announce that the new organisation will be called “National Energy System Operator” from when it is launched this summer. In the meantime, ESO will retain its name. All parties are working towards a launch date in Summer 2024. 

Fintan Slye, Executive Director, ESO said:

“We’re delighted and excited to reach a key next step in our journey and to introduce the identity of this new organisation, “National Energy System Operator”, which will be at the heart of the whole energy system. We are continuing to deliver on our core role of energy security, affordability, and sustainability as ESO today, and to transform elements of the business to ensure we are ready to take on new accountabilities as the National Energy System Operator later this year."    

Graham Stuart, Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, said:

“Creating a new public energy body will ensure consumers can access a secure, affordable and decarbonised energy supply for the long-term.

“Established in the landmark Energy Act 2023, the National Energy System Operator marks a new approach to managing the UK’s energy system.”

Akshay Kaul, Director General for Infrastructure at Ofgem, said:

“We’re pleased to see the Future System Operator come one step closer to reality with this new name and identity, which underlines the instrumental role it will play as an independent, expert organisation tasked with guiding Britain’s transition to net zero.

“This new National Energy System Operator will drive forward net zero across both the electricity and gas systems, operating a ‘whole system’ approach. It will hold responsibilities in operations, strategic network planning, long-term forecasting and market strategy, and will deliver these roles while maintaining energy security and minimising costs for consumers.”