Politics · United Kingdom · 2 hrs ago
Deloitte reviews UK grid operator amid claims over power security
Deloitte is reviewing procurement at Britain’s National Energy System Operator, which manages Britain’s electricity system.
The review comes amid allegations that the state-owned operator misled Parliament and markets and wasted money, claims that have not been established.
Whistleblowers and experts have raised concerns about the security of power supplies, as the UK shifts from fossil fuels towards wind and solar power under its Net Zero plans.
On June 23, the grid ran short of power and needed emergency electricity imports from abroad.
An earlier inquiry found high stress and concern in the control room, but did not substantiate claims that official records had been altered.
NESO’s board is due to visit the control room this month without executives present, while the Deloitte review examines procurement policies and procedures.
Deloitte is reviewing procurement policies and procedures at Britain’s state-owned National Energy System Operator (NESO).
The review comes amid allegations that NESO misled Parliament and markets and mishandled the security of electricity supplies.
Whistleblowers and experts have warned of blackout risks, while NESO engineers say the shift to renewable power has made supply and demand harder to forecast.
A June 23 power shortage led to emergency electricity imports from abroad.
An earlier legal review found high operational stress and concern at NESO but did not substantiate claims that official records were altered.
- Who
- Deloitte is reviewing the National Energy System Operator (NESO). NESO chief executive Fintan Slye is also under scrutiny, according to insiders.
- What
- Deloitte is reviewing NESO’s procurement policies and procedures amid claims of failings in power-system security and oversight.
- When
- The review was reported on November 14, 2026. The story describes a power shortage on June 23.
- Where
- Britain; NESO’s headquarters are in Wokingham, Berkshire.
- Why
- The review follows allegations that NESO misled Parliament and markets and concerns about its ability to maintain electricity supplies.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The grid ran short of power during a heatwave and required emergency electricity imports from abroad.
Conservative MP Claire Coutinho revealed whistleblower claims that NESO breached legal safety limits and the UK came close to a blackout.
NESO ordered inquiries by the regulator Ofgem and Eversheds Sutherland.
Eversheds did not substantiate claims that NESO altered official records but reported high levels of stress and concern in the control room.
Chief executive Fintan Slye told MPs he was the right man for the job.
NESO said Deloitte had been brought in to review its procurement policies and procedures.
- Reviewer
- Deloitte
- Operator
- National Energy System Operator (NESO)
- Headquarters
- Wokingham, Berkshire
- Power shortage
- June 23; emergency imports were required
- Legal review
- Eversheds Sutherland did not substantiate claims of altered official records
- Chief executive
- Fintan Slye
What people are saying
procurement policies and procedures
hanging on by a thread
civil war
right man