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(Bloomberg) — The UK’s grid operator said it was launching an internal investigation into allegations that employees had tried to hide information about recent risks to the country’s power supply.
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UK Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho accused the National Energy System Operator of withholding information and taking actions that put the nation at risk of blackouts, citing unidentified whistle blowers.
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Her complaint came after the power grid was put under exceptional strain on June 23, when wind generation slumped and soaring temperatures boosted demand. The network operator was forced to activate emergency measures to maintain system security.
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“Despite unprecedented weather conditions across Great Britain and Europe in June, the GB electricity system remained secure and no customers were disconnected,” a NESO spokesperson said by email on Friday. “We will continue our analysis of operational data and implement any lessons learned.”
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Europe’s power grids, which are adapting to a rapid expansion of intermittent wind and solar generation, have come under increased scrutiny since Spain’s nationwide blackout last year. Months of investigations followed, with competing reports and public disputes over whether the grid operator, power producers or the system’s design was to blame.
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One allegation made by Coutinho in a letter to the UK information commissioner is that staff in corporate affairs roles influenced operational decision-making, including not taking actions that could have helped stabilize the network in order to protect NESO’s reputation.
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“All operational decisions are taken by authorized personnel within established procedures and it would be false to say otherwise.” the NESO spokesperson said. “NESO does not instruct its employees to avoid retaining records. Our priority is the secure operation of the GB electricity system.”
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