Visiting the Energy Control Centre

This week, I had the opportunity to visit the NESO Energy Control Centre to see first-hand how our electricity system is managed and balanced across the UK. It was a fascinating visit and a powerful reminder of just how complex and vital our energy infrastructure is to everyday life.

From the control room, engineers monitor supply and demand in real time, making constant adjustments to keep the system stable. Whether it’s switching between different sources of generation or responding to sudden changes in demand, the work they do ensures that homes, businesses and public services continue to have reliable power. It was impressive to witness the scale of coordination involved and the expertise of the staff who keep everything running smoothly, 24 hours a day.

What struck me most was how closely this national system connects back to North East Fife. Our area already plays an important role in Scotland’s energy landscape, with growing investment in renewables and grid infrastructure. As we move towards cleaner, greener energy, places like North East Fife will be central to that transition; not only in generating power, but helping to shape how energy is stored, distributed and used more efficiently.

The visit also underlined the importance of long-term planning. As more renewable energy comes online, the system has to become smarter and more flexible. That means ensuring local communities benefit from new energy projects, that the grid can cope with increased demand, and that households are protected from volatility in energy prices.

For constituents in North East Fife, this matters in very practical ways. Reliable and affordable energy is essential for families, farmers, small businesses and industry alike. It also presents opportunities: for skilled jobs, for innovation, and for community-led energy schemes that can help reduce bills while cutting carbon emissions.

The people working behind the scenes to keep the lights on deserve enormous credit. Their work reminds us that the electricity we all rely on depends not only on new technologies, but on the dedicated professionals who manage our energy system every single day.