- Grid operator to lose its mandate
- Independent body to take over running the grid
- Government body to undertake consultations on a new grid operator
The United Kingdom’s (UK) National Grid Operator is set to lose its mandate as the sole operator of the grid. This decision comes as the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is set to begin consultations on creating an independent ‘Future System Operator’, which would take over running the country’s national grid.
In an announcement, the government body says a new independent system operator will ensure a more coordinated approach between the government, the regulator and the industry towards achieving the UK’s net-zero ambitions. In January, the energy market regulator, Ofgem has recommended the setting up of an independent body to achieve the net-zero ambitions by 2050. Ofgem had recommended that the body should be fully separated from National Grid.
Britain’s energy market regulator Ofgem recommended in January that an independent body be set up to help lead the way to the government’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.