Neso energy bosses ‘keeping Government happy’ by sidelining concerns over energy blackouts, investigation finds

An independent investigation found that staff at the National Energy System Operator (Neso) felt their concerns about blackout risks were sidelined, partly because managers wanted to keep ministers, customers and regulators satisfied. It found a “culture of perceived non-response”, which discouraged some employees from raising concerns internally and helps explain why whistleblowers went outside the organisation.

The review did not substantiate allegations that Neso concealed how close Britain came to blackouts during summer heatwaves. Ofgem separately found that electricity did not fall below acceptable levels, and the Government said customer demand was met throughout the summer, while calling for cultural improvements at Neso. The report follows claims that officials faced pressure over shortage alerts; separate research ranked Britain 41st of 187 countries for energy security.