GB power grid operator launches investigation into cover-up allegations

Great Britain's National Energy System Operator has commissioned an independent legal investigation into whistleblower claims that staff were told not to leave an audit trail during a heatwave blackout risk.

• The National Energy System Operator (Neso) has brought in an external legal firm to investigate allegations that control room staff were warned against keeping records of decisions made to stabilize the power system during late June's record temperatures.
• Conservative shadow minister Claire Coutinho raised the allegations in parliament, saying whistleblowers reported that senior bosses were "risking blackouts to protect Neso's reputation."
• Whistleblowers alleged that senior managers ordered staff not to create permanent records of key decisions relating to managing electricity system fluctuations during the heatwave.
• Neso said in a statement that the grid operated securely and frequency and voltage stayed within statutory limits, and that a "full deep dive" into system operations will be undertaken, with both reports to be published.