ESO separation drives transformational change in the UK energy sector

A new role for the ESO in a changing energy industry

The National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) sits at the heart of the UK’s energy system, making sure that electricity is transported safely and efficiently from where it is produced to where it is consumed. The ESO ensures that electricity supply and demand is balanced in real time and facilitates the connection of assets to the transmission system. In addition, the organization works closely with customers and stakeholders to shape the future energy market, providing analysis and insight into the changing nature of supply, demand, and networks.

A more distributed and low carbon energy system underpinned by new technologies and business models has meant that the challenges and opportunities for consumers and the operation of the electricity system are evolving. The role of the ESO will therefore need to change in order to deliver a safe, reliable, and flexible system into the future. Consequently, in January 2017, National Grid agreed to create a separate ESO business within the National Grid Group. The objective of this separation was to give the ESO greater independence, make it more flexible to changing market needs, remove conflicts of interest, and facilitate competition. Overall, this would drive significant industry and consumer benefit, giving stakeholders a high-performing, independent ESO that they could trust to deliver a secure, sustainable, and affordable energy future.

Delivering a best-in-class transformational program

National Grid embarked on a two-year programme to deliver a separate ESO, working closely with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Ofgem to define, design, and implement this transformational journey. National Grid engaged Capgemini Invent to be its delivery partner of choice and together they executed a successful separation of the ESO on April 1, 2019.

National Grid and Ofgem began the consultation process in January 2017 to shape and design what the ESO separation would look like. The programme was large and complex, and, over the course of two years, looked to separate the ESO financially and operationally and create a new, distinct culture for a more independent organisation. As well as global business separation expertise, Capgemini brought best-in-class design and delivery approaches to shape and deliver the programme. These included an agile programme delivery model, which facilitated the switch from a centralised structure to a devolved model in order to achieve greater delivery flexibility and transfer responsibility over time to the ESO. The program also operated a staggered go-live, which reduced the overall risk of the separation and enabled the program to slowly embed culture change over a period of months prior to formal go-live. Culture change was also a core part of the program – embedded within each of the workstreams and delivered using a set of robust change management techniques.

Navigating change, challenges, and complications

A large, transformational program such as this was not without its trials. Along the way, both internal and external challenges threatened the success of the project and had to be carefully navigated. Managing the separation during a period of political uncertainty caused by events such as Britain’s exit from the EU meant that building and maintaining political commitment to the ESO program required strong working alignment with the regulator and government. It required a great deal of effort from all parties to remain committed to the vision set up by the original agreement and policy decision.

The ESO also had to adjust to regulatory changes that altered incentives in 2018. This drove the business to engage with stakeholders early and begin to demonstrate separation from April 1, 2018. By demonstrating a greater degree of independence, the ESO allowed both National Grid and the market greater transparency into how it would operate. Finally, changing market needs caused a transition in focus from electricity and increasing competition to a broader “dual fuel” approach to electricity and gas as fundamental providers of heat, transportation, and energy infrastructure.

Driving new initiatives and outcomes

Separation of the ESO has allowed it to be more independent in the sector and a leading voice within the energy market. Following formal separation, the ESO released an ambitious set of new strategic targets that continued through 2025. The most progressive of which has been a commitment for the ESO to be able to operate Great Britain’s electricity network with zero carbon by 2025. Others include defining the strategy and plan for delivering clean heat, facilitating competition in the onshore electricity transmission market, and, importantly, remaining a trusted partner for the government, industry, and consumers.

In April 2018, a new set of incentive mechanisms was released for the ESO as a direct result of separation. By April 1, 2019, these new incentives, which include more comprehensive performance evaluation criteria, were embedded within the newly separated organization and had an immediate impact on how the ESO engaged with its stakeholders. There is an increased focus on maximizing consumer benefit, as well as enabling the transition to a decarbonized energy landscape—an ambition towards which the ESO has already made great progress.

Furthermore, the separation delivered a great outcome for ESO employees, who were excited about the separation and embraced a change in culture over the course of the program. Employees from both National Grid and the ESO have demonstrated an awareness and understanding of the change, providing further evidence of the overall success of the separation.

Feedback from customers, industry, and the government on the separation has been positive, while Ofgem has acknowledged the ESO’s new independence. In addition, ESO separation has demonstrated the ability of National Grid to successfully deliver large-scale, transformational programs. This capability will be crucial for the organisation going forwards and particularly for the ESO as it continues to innovate and provide safer, more reliable, and greener electricity.