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NESO expects secure and reliable electricity supplies
for summer 2026 and is introducing new tools to manage periods
of surplus power, as part of its Summer Outlook published
today.
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An updated Demand Flexibility Service will reward
consumers and businesses for increasing electricity use during
periods of excess supply, supporting system resilience and
efficiency.
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NESO has prepared for these conditions over several
years, ensuring the electricity network is designed and ready
to respond to these expected changes.
NESO expects sufficient electricity supplies across the summer
months. Periods of excess electricity will be managed using new
tools, ensuring the system remains resilient and that surplus
power isn't wasted.
Periods of surplus electricity have become more common in recent
years. Since 2019 NESO has redesigned how it manages Great
Britain's national electricity network, introducing tools to
manage times when generation from lower carbon sources is high.
These include new services that provide system stability and
voltage support, traditionally delivered by power stations. By
using smaller, flexible technologies to deliver these services –
including wind farms, solar and batteries – NESO can balance
supply and demand while maintaining system security at the same
or lower cost.
NESO's updated Demand Flexibility Service allows consumers and
businesses to be rewarded for increasing electricity use via
their energy suppliers or third-party apps. For example, by
running appliances like washing machines or dishwashers and
charging electric vehicles during periods of excess supply.
Alongside other NESO tools, this will help balance the system and
reinforce energy security.
Electricity demand is typically lower in summer, as warmer and
brighter weather changes consumption patterns and increases solar
generation. The growth of smaller, local electricity generators
is also reducing reliance on large power stations on the national
network.
NESO is confident that it has the tools and operational
strategies in place to manage these changing conditions
effectively. Where necessary, NESO may issue a Negative Reserve
Active Power Margin (NRAPM) notice. This is a standard market
signal to increase flexibility in electricity generation.
NESO continues to monitor risks in global energy markets closely
and work with strategic partners to maintain system resilience.
Preparations for Winter 2026/27 system operation are already
underway, with an Early View report due later this summer.
Dr Deborah Petterson, Director of Resilience and
Emergency Management, NESO
“The work of our excellent engineering teams at NESO means our
energy system is well adapted to support a clean, resilient
future, and puts us in a strong position to manage the changing
patterns of electricity use over the summer.
Tools such as the Demand Flexibility Service not only reward
consumers and businesses for flexible electricity use but also
strengthen the resilience and efficiency of Great Britain's
electricity network.”
ENDS
About NESO
NESO is Britain's National Energy System Operator. We operate
today's electricity system and design tomorrow's energy system.
Notes to editors:
- NESO's Electricity Summer Outlook covers operational
expectations for Great Britain's National Electricity
Transmission Network.
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- A separate report covering the National Gas Transmission
Network is published by National Gas and is available on their
website here - https://www.nationalgas.com/media
Demand Flexibility Service
Ofgem approved the updated design for NESO's Demand Flexibility
Service on 25th March - https://www.neso.energy/neso-announces-shakeup-new-look-demand-flexibility-service
