National Energy System Operator: 'GB electricity system ready for summer'

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) will release its Summer Outlook on 14th April 2026 [1], which states that GB's electricity system is 'ready for summer, with new tools to manage surplus power' including an updated Demand Flexibility Service. It also states that the NESO expects 'secure and reliable electricity supplies' and that renewables have contributed to the UK's supply likely exceeding demand 'at times this summer'.

Commenting on the report, Jess Ralston, Head of Energy at the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit said:

"Thanks to progress towards the UK’s net zero target, the deployment of renewables like solar and wind means we’re expected to be an energy exporter at times this summer. This will drive down prices to the point where consumers could get a real bargain when turning on the washing machine when it’s really sunny.

While the price of oil and gas have been spiking due to Trump’s war in the Middle East, large windfarms lowered the wholesale power price by a third last year [2]. Further investment will be needed, but if Britain wants to permanently insulate itself from these shocks, the shift to renewables will help do that."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. The National Energy System Operators Summer Outlook is expected to be published at 00:01 14 April 2026.

2. Wind farms cut power prices by almost a third in 2025 (ECIU, 2026)

For more information or for interview requests:

George Smeeton, Head of Communications, ECIU, t: 020 8156 5305, m: 07894 571 153, email: george.smeeton@eciu.net