National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) has become an official member of the Energy Networks Association (ENA).
It follows the ESO becoming a legally separate business within the National Grid PLC group in April 2019.
“As our legal separation matures we’re taking on more roles and responsibilities within the energy industry, so are delighted to become an official member of Energy Networks Association,” said Fintan Slye, director of the ESO, who will join the ENA board, effective immediately.
“We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with ENA and its members. Through working collaboratively with network owners and operators, and adopting a whole system view of the challenges that lie ahead, we can accelerate progress towards both a zero carbon electricity grid and the UK’s net zero goal.”
Despite the legal separation, further steps are being considered to ensure that there is no conflict of interest between National Grid Electricity Transmission and the ESO. At the beginning of 2021, Ofgem issued a recommendation for a fully independent system operator to make sure that no real or perceived bias stands in the way of the transition to net zero.
David Smith, chief executive of ENA, said it was “great to welcome” members of the ESO officially, having worked with them since the initial status change two years ago.
“There is lots of work ahead for the industry, not least of all in addressing the challenges of delivering net zero emissions through a modern, low-cost and customer-focused energy system. With the National Grid ESO team working alongside our other members, the voice of the networks is ever-stronger.”
