The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee took oral evidence at 09:15 on 28 October 2026 from National Energy System Operator (NESO) chief executive Fintan Slye and its chief operating officer. The session covers Clean Power 2030 progress, described as two years in with three years to go, plus summer-2026 heat lessons, community-energy connections, energy costs and AI in system decisions.

What the hearing covers

The hearing follows an independent investigation into whistleblower allegations that NESO covered up blackout risk during extreme heat on 22 to 26 June 2026, including 23 June. The Eversheds Sutherland investigation, published on 19 October 2026, found the key allegations unsubstantiated: no witness reported an instruction to delete, alter or suppress records, and 36 witnesses were interviewed.

What the investigation found

The same investigation identified cultural, governance and control issues at the operator. Ofgem's separate technical review is ongoing, with final conclusions on system security due by 31 January 2027 and lessons learned by 31 March 2027.

Ministers have told the committee they are 100% confident that the lights will stay on this winter, according to the Parliament listing. This post reports the hearing as it begins; it does not prejudge any conclusion the committee reaches.

Sources: UK Parliament and Envirotec Magazine.