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Thu, 22 Oct 2026

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 Grid operator says lights will stay on this winter after concerns

The assurance from the National Energy System Operator comes amid concern from its engineers about their ability to ensure adequate supply.
The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has assured the public that the UK's electricity supply will be secure this winter, despite concerns raised by some of its engineers. NESO says the country's electricity system is resilient and prepared to meet demand during the colder months. However, an investigation found that engineers were stressed and concerned about their ability to ensure a stable supply due to differences between renewable and gas-fired power generation. The report highlighted issues with the transition to renewables, which are less flexible than traditional methods of electricity generation. Despite these challenges, NESO says supplies will remain secure throughout the winter, although there may be "tight days" when additional electricity generation is needed. This would trigger notices to power producers to generate more electricity, but it's not a warning of power cuts. The UK's gas network also expects to have sufficient supply to meet demand this winter, with forecasts showing an increase in gas used for power generation due to the intermittent nature of renewables. A separate investigation found cultural, governance, and control issues within NESO, including a disconnect between staff and leadership. The company has pledged to act on the recommendations to improve communication and response to concerns.