Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of the National Energy System Operator's status on its accountability to (a) government and (b) Parliament.

NESO is an operationally independent public corporation. The Secretary of State is NESO's sole shareholder, exercises shareholder rights on behalf of Government, and is accountable to Parliament for matters relating to the organisation.

While the NESO Board retains responsibility for NESO's leadership, governance and corporate performance, Ofgem independently regulates NESO's delivery of its statutory duties and compliance with its licence obligations.

As set out in the NESO Framework Document, NESO is subject to parliamentary scrutiny, audit and reporting requirements. NESO's Chief Executive serves as the designated Accountable Person, with responsibility for stewardship of public resources and governance.