GC0186: Proposed Grid Code Changes - Post Electricity System Restoration Standard (ESRS) | National Energy System Operator
Summary
NESO has raised GC0186, a Grid Code modification updating restoration requirements following GC0156's implementation of the Electricity System Restoration Standard. The proposal introduces Regional Restoration Plans, equal treatment of NGET, SPT and SHET during restoration, requirements for Network Operators to switch at sufficient speed, and tightened testing and data obligations. Currently at Workgroup Nominations stage, governance route still to be decided by the Panel.
Why it matters
Restoration is the binary constraint that dominates everything else: a system that cannot be restored after a total or partial shutdown has no price worth quoting. By formalising Regional Restoration Plans and forcing network operators to switch at speed, NESO is shifting restoration from a National Grid-centred exercise to a distributed obligation across three transmission owners and network operators. The losers are TOs and Network Operators whose existing equipment and processes cannot meet the new switching speed and data requirements; the winners are restoration contract providers (and ultimately consumers) who get a more credible black-start capability.
Key facts
- •Modification reference: GC0186
- •Builds on GC0156, which implemented the Electricity System Restoration Standard (ESRS)
- •Introduces Regional Restoration Plans (new concept)
- •Equitable treatment of NGET, SPT and SHET during restoration
- •Network Operators required to switch at sufficient speed
- •Tightens testing and data requirements; corrects known errors
- •Drivers: Efficiency, Harmonisation, System Operability, Transparency
- •Status: Workgroup Nominations (governance route pending Panel decision)
- •Impact assessed as High on TSOs, TOs, Network Operators and Generators
- •Proposer: Antony Johnson (NESO)
- •Last updated: 18 May 2026
Areas affected
Related programmes
Memo
GC0186: Proposed Grid Code Changes - Post Electricity System Restoration Standard (ESRS) | National Energy System Operator Show/Hide Menu Toggle Add to favourites Close tooltip Sign in to add this page to your favourites Sign in or register Show favourites Close Close tooltip Sign in or register to manage your favourites Sign in or register Help You are now signed in Visit My NESO account to view and manage your dataset subscriptions. Maybe later Go to your account GC0186: Proposed Grid Code Changes - Post Electricity System Restoration Standard (ESRS) The purpose of this modification is to update the Grid Code in respect of the restoration requirements following the implementation of GC0156, in particular (but not limited to) the introduction of ’Regional Restoration Plans’, the equitable treatment of National Grid Electricity Transmission, Scottish Power Transmission and Scottish Hydro-Electric Transmission Limited during a restoration, the ability for Network Operators to switch at sufficient speed, clarifications / improvements in testing / data requirements and correction of known errors. Modification status: Current - Workgroup Nominations Last updated: 18 May 2026 Code Administrator Contact : [email protected] Governance Route : The Proposer has raised a modification and is seeking a decision from the Panel on the governance route to be taken. Impacts : High impact on Transmission System Operators, Transmission Owners, Network Operators and Generators. Modification drivers: Efficiency, Harmonisation, System Operability, and Transparency. Code modification proposed by: Antony Johnson [email protected] Documents Proposal Documents Terms of Reference Workgroup Meetings and Summary Papers Workgroup Consultation Workgroup Report Code Administrator Consultation Draft/Final Modification Report Decision Name GC0186 Proposal Form and Annexes GC0186 Proposal Form logo--facebook