Current status: Answered by Stephen Gethins on 17 August 2026
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the implications for Scotland, including for the period after Torness closes in 2030, of the electricity grid frequency event of 23 June 2026 and the subsequent matters raised in the letter by the Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to the National Energy System Operator (NESO) of 10 July 2026.
Responsibility for assessing grid stability, system inertia and generational adequacy rests with the UK Government and the National Energy System Operator (NESO), as electricity security of supply is a reserved matter.
On Monday 13 July, NESO announced an independent investigation by law firm Eversheds Sutherland International into the specific whistleblowing allegations that have been raised. The investigation will examine operational decision making and record-keeping.
Ofgem are the independent regulators and have committed to overseeing this investigation. An independent panel will ensure that all NESO staff who feel they have relevant information will be able to speak directly to Eversheds completely anonymously, and the investigation team will also be allowed to speak to whomever they wish, anonymously.
It would not be appropriate to comment until that investigation has concluded.