UK Grid Operator NESO faces scrutiny over high costs and connection delays

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) is facing criticism following reports of high emergency payments and administrative delays within the British electricity grid. Market transparency data indicates that Langage Power Station near Plymouth was paid approximately £1.4 million per hour on a Monday evening to maintain supply during a slump in wind power. Other facilities, including Rye House Power Station in Hertfordshire and Seabank Power Station in Bristol, reportedly received similar high-rate payments to cover evening peak demand.

Separately, the independent power producer Enviromena has warned that delays at NESO could undermine government efforts to reduce energy bills. Regional Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) are reportedly frustrated by the absence of engineering studies from NESO that were due in September. These studies are essential for assessing whether existing network capacity can be used to accelerate connection dates for ready-to-build projects. Ofgem has previously identified grid connection reform as a key area of underperformance for the operator.