Britain’s electricity system operator has repeatedly missed deadlines for reports covering grid security, future supply and network planning, widening concerns over its ability to manage an increasingly complex power system.
The National Energy System Operator was excused from producing its 2026 annual frequency risk report because the previous assessment and regulatory process had taken so long there was not enough time to complete the next edition.
The Frequency Risk and Control Report was introduced following the August 2019 blackout, which cut electricity to more than one million customers. It is intended to explain the risks of serious frequency events, how NESO plans to manage them and the costs of protecting the system.
Ofgem formally suspended the 2026 requirement in March after delays surrounding the 2025 report.
An investigation by The Times also found NESO had been released from its obligation to publish a separate ten-year electricity supply statement this year after missing two publication deadlines.
The document is used by power companies and investors to understand future network conditions and identify where new generation may be able to connect.
Ofgem said it will be replaced by new strategic planning documents but some of those plans are not expected until late 2028, leaving limited time before the Government’s 2030 clean power target.
NESO is also behind schedule on reforms to backup communications used during serious grid incidents.
Parts of the existing system reportedly continue to rely on fax technology, which is not expected to be fully phased out until January 2027. Other operational and safety reforms previously promised by the operator are also said to remain incomplete.
The findings intensify scrutiny following the extreme heat on 23 June when grid frequency moved outside NESO’s normal operating range and several transmission constraints were breached.
Whistleblowers have alleged the system came close to serious disruption and that senior staff interfered with operational decisions and records. NESO denies the grid was insecure and says no customers lost supply.
Ofgem is examining NESO’s handling of the heatwave while a separate legal investigation is considering allegations about decision making and record keeping.
The latest concerns move the controversy beyond the events of one evening.
NESO is now facing questions over whether it is delivering the basic risk assessments, planning documents and operational reforms needed to manage that transition safely.
ELN has contacted NESO for a response.
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