Britain's energy watchdog has promised anonymity to whistleblowers in an investigation into claims of near-miss blackouts on the grid.
It is alleged senior officials at the National Energy System Operator (Neso), which controls the grid, tried to cover up the blackout risk during last month’s heatwaves.
The grid fell below safe operating limits for “multiple periods” on June 23, it is alleged.
It is also claimed the corporate affairs team at Neso “interfered in operational decisions” on June 23 in a bid to protect the organisation’s reputation.
Neso has brought in independent investigators to look into the claims.
Its inquiry will be carried out by law firm Eversheds Sutherland.
Energy regulator Ofgem has confirmed it will “provide active regulatory oversight of the independent investigation”.
It had been reported staff wanting to contribute to the Neso inquiry would have to identify themselves to the organisation’s legal team.
This risked “blowing their anonymity”, said Claire Coutinho, the Shadow Energy Secretary, who first raised the allegations.
But Ofgem said the law firm’s findings will be presented to an independent panel.
The same panel will allow staff to speak freely.
The panel will “ensure all Neso staff who feel they have relevant information will be able to speak directly to Eversheds completely anonymously, and the investigation team will be allowed to speak to whomever they wish, anonymously”.
Ms Coutinho said: “I cautiously welcome this. The commitment to...
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