Britain's National Energy System Operator (Neso) chief executive Fintan Slye admitted the grid operator underestimated air conditioning power demand during June's extreme heat. People behaved "quite differently" compared to previous periods, making system management significantly more complex. The admission follows a June 23 incident where system frequency fell below operational limits for nearly two hours, forcing Neso to halt planned exports to the Netherlands.
Over recent months, Neso has repeatedly called on markets for extra power supplies and appealed for emergency assistance from neighboring countries. An Ofgem interim report examined conditions across the June week and Neso's actions to maintain stability. A separate report by Eversheds Sutherland, commissioned by Neso, rejected allegations of corporate interference in control room decisions but found "high levels of stress and concern" among control room staff.
The report also highlighted a "significant disconnect" between the control room and executive leadership, with senior staff thought to not fully appreciate frontline pressures. Slye acknowledged this criticism was "really hard" to hear, stating it is incumbent on leadership to address the gap in understanding.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing