Scope
Description
National Energy System Operator (NESO) is awarding a framework agreement under competitive flexible procedure across a full range of legal services to support NESO's requirements and activities.
Suppliers will partner with the internal NESO Legal team to provide high quality advice and support NESO to meet its objectives.
The framework agreement is split into 2 Lots and amounts to £30.5m (including VAT):
LOT 1 - Energy Regulation & Frameworks
Advising on all aspects of the United Kingdom (UK) and, where relevant, European Union (EU) regulatory regimes and frameworks for gas and electricity, including sector-specific European legislation and rules (where relevant) and Great Britain (GB) primary and secondary legislation that impacts on or are relevant to the business activities of NESO (licensed and unlicensed). This includes:
1. Advising on the specific rules applicable to NESO, as well as on the regimes applicable to other sector participants including transmission networks, distribution networks, interconnectors, generators, storage and suppliers as are or may be relevant to NESO's activities.
2. Advising on matters relating to the interaction of the UK and EU regulatory regimes with the gas and electricity arrangements, including relationships with European institutions such as ENTSO-E and ENTSOG.
3. Advising on any innovation matters that arise as the gas and electricity markets and regulatory regimes develop.
4. Advising on all matters relating to the compliance with the UK and EU regulatory regimes for electricity and gas and how they impact on all the activities of NESO in Great Britain, including the impact on contractual arrangements NESO has with third parties.
5. Advising on the specific legal framework applicable to NESO as the designated independent system operator and planner under the Energy Act 2023 including:
5.1 Advising on the application of NESO's general statutory duties to its activities, including its duty to have regard to the Strategy and Policy Statement.
5.2 Advising NESO on the use of its power to request information.
5.3 Advising on NESO's independence requirements and requirements relating to conflict of interest.
6. Advising on the sector specific commercial arrangements relevant to NESO's energy activities, as set out in further detail below.
More specific areas within Lot 1 are detailed below - no subcontracting is allowed cross Lot 1 disciplines:
1 Electricity/ gas codes
2 Electricity connections
3 Balancing services (electricity)
4 Electricity interconnectors
5 Electricity Market Reform
6 Network competition
7 Gas markets
8 Developing/adapting to new energy legal frameworks
9 Licence change, investigations and other regulatory issues
10 Public Investigation and inquiry processes
11 Planning and major infrastructure projects
12 Information management (energy)
13 Public Law (energy)
14 Competition law and dawn raids (energy)
15 Litigation (energy)
The requirements for advice and support set out in this Lot 1 relate to both non-contentious and contentious matters unless expressly stated otherwise.
LOT 2 - GENERAL SERVICES
This lot includes advising NESO on all corporate and commercial aspects of its operations to support its organisational functions, taking into account NESO's status as a public corporation.
More specific areas within Lot 1 are detailed below -subcontracting permitted only for specific Lot 2 disciplines (Trademark & Patent Services, Pensions, and Insurance):
1 General commercial and transactions
2 Public procurement
3 Technology expertise (including Cyber Security, AI, ICT & IoT)
4 Innovation
5 Commercial property/ construction
6 Corporate
7 Finance
8 Intellectual Property (including trademark and patent services)
9 Health, safety and environmental
10 Employment
11 Pensions
12 Insurance (including insurance claims)
13 Information Management (non-energy)
14 Public Law (non-energy)
15 Competition law & dawn raids (non-energy)
16 Litigation (non-energy)
The requirements for advice and support set out in this Lot 2 relate to both non-contentious and contentious matters unless expressly stated otherwise.
Individual workpackages will be allocated to the awarded suppliers based on the call-off mechanism detailed in the framework agreement.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Lot 1. ENERGY REGULATION & FRAMEWORKS
Description
LOT 1 - ENERGY REGULATION & FRAMEWORKS1 Electricity/ gas codes2 Electricity connections3 Balancing services (electricity)4 Electricity interconnectors5 Electricity Market Reform6 Network competition7 Gas markets8 Developing/adapting to new energy legal frameworks9 Licence change, investigations and other regulatory issues10 Public Investigation and inquiry processes11 Planning and major infrastructure projects12 Information management (energy)13 Public Law (energy)14 Competition law and dawn raids (energy)15 Litigation (energy)
Lot 2. General Legal Services
Description
LOT 2 - GENERAL SERVICES1 General commercial and transactions2 Public procurement3 Technology expertise (including Cyber Security, AI, ICT & IoT)4 Innovation5 Commercial property/ construction6 Corporate7 Finance8 Intellectual Property (including trademark and patent services)9 Health, safety and environmental10 Employment11 Pensions12 Insurance (including insurance claims)13 Information Management (non-energy)14 Public Law (non-energy)15 Competition law & dawn raids (non-energy)16 Litigation (non-energy)
Contract 1. LOT 1 - Energy Regulation & Frameworks
Lots
Lot 1. ENERGY REGULATION & FRAMEWORKS
Suppliers (5)
- ADDLESHAW GODDARD LLP
- DENTONS UK AND MIDDLE EAST LLP
- DLA PIPER UK LLP
- GOWLING WLG (UK) LLP
- SHAKESPEARE MARTINEAU LLP
Contract value
- £16,500,000 excluding VAT
- £19,800,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
15 January 2026
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
15 January 2026
Standstill period
- End: 26 January 2026
- 8 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
31 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 31 January 2026 to 31 January 2029
- Possible extension to 31 January 2031
- 5 years, 1 day
Description of possible extension:
NESO may, by giving the Supplier not less than one months' written notice prior to expiry of the Initial Term, extend this agreement in respect of the whole (or part) of the Services, for a period of up to two years, in one year increments, from the day following expiry of the Initial Term
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79100000 - Legal services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Contract 2. Lot 2 - General Legal Services
Lots
Lot 2. General Legal Services
Suppliers (4)
Contract value
- £8,900,000 excluding VAT
- £10,700,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
15 January 2026
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
15 January 2026
Standstill period
- End: 26 January 2026
- 8 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
31 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 31 January 2026 to 31 January 2029
- Possible extension to 31 January 2031
- 5 years, 1 day
Description of possible extension:
NESO may, by giving the Supplier not less than one months' written notice prior to expiry of the Initial Term, extend this agreement in respect of the whole (or part) of the Services, for a period of up to two years, in one year increments, from the day following expiry of the Initial Term
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79100000 - Legal services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Information about tenders
Lot 1. ENERGY REGULATION & FRAMEWORKS
- 11 tenders received
- 11 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 0 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 5 suppliers awarded contracts
- 6 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Unsuccessful suppliers
- TLT LLP
- WOMBLE BOND DICKINSON (UK) LLP
- HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS KRAMER LLP
- HOGAN LOVELLS INTERNATIONAL LLP
- NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT LLP
- BRYAN CAVE LEIGHTON PAISNER LLP
Lot 2. General Legal Services
- 12 tenders received
- 12 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 0 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 4 suppliers awarded contracts
- 8 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Unsuccessful suppliers
Submission
Submission type
Tenders
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Special regime
Utilities
Suppliers
ADDLESHAW GODDARD LLP
- Companies House: OC318149
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRWH-7564-XRYD
41 Lothbury
London
EC2R 7HG
United Kingdom
Email: bdtenders@addleshawgoddard.com
Website: http://www.addleshawgoddard.com/
Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. LOT 1 - Energy Regulation & Frameworks
Contract 2. Lot 2 - General Legal Services
BIRD & BIRD LLP
- Companies House: OC340318
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PTJN-2397-QWJT
12 New Fetter Lane
London
EC4A 1JP
United Kingdom
Website: https://www.twobirds.com
Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
BRODIES LLP
- Companies House: SO300334
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBWZ-8513-MWGP
Capital Square
Edinburgh
EH3 8BP
United Kingdom
Website: https://brodies.com/
Region: UKM75 - Edinburgh, City of
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
BRYAN CAVE LEIGHTON PAISNER LLP
- Companies House: OC315919
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PZCX-3815-ZBJX
Governor's House
London
EC4R 0BR
United Kingdom
Website: https://www.bclplaw.com/en-US/
Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
DENTONS UK AND MIDDLE EAST LLP
- Companies House: OC322045
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PTDT-5345-RQMP
One Fleet Place
London
EC4M 7WS
United Kingdom
Email: rachel.harris@dentons.com
Website: http://www.dentons.com
Region: UKI43 - Haringey and Islington
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. LOT 1 - Energy Regulation & Frameworks
Contract 2. Lot 2 - General Legal Services
DLA PIPER UK LLP
- Companies House: OC307847
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMPT-8255-CHYG
160 Aldersgate Street
London
EC1A 4HT
United Kingdom
Email: GovernmentTenders@dlapiper.com
Website: https://www.dlapiper.com/en-us
Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. LOT 1 - Energy Regulation & Frameworks
Contract 2. Lot 2 - General Legal Services
DWF LLP
- Companies House: OC328794
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PZTP-2177-WBYM
1 Scott Place
Manchester
M3 3AA
United Kingdom
Website: https://dwfgroup.com/en
Region: UKD33 - Manchester
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
GOWLING WLG (UK) LLP
- Companies House: OC304378
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMTV-6479-YMNX
4 More London Riverside
London
SE1 2AU
United Kingdom
Email: tenders@gowlingwlg.com
Website: https://gowlingwlg.com/en-gb
Region: UKI44 - Lewisham and Southwark
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. LOT 1 - Energy Regulation & Frameworks
HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS KRAMER LLP
- Companies House: OC310989
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRZW-5635-VGJW
Exchange House, Primrose Street
London
EC2A 2EG
United Kingdom
Website: https://www.hsfkramer.com
Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
HOGAN LOVELLS INTERNATIONAL LLP
- Companies House: OC323639
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXML-4791-NQGQ
Atlantic House
London
EC1A 2FG
United Kingdom
Website: https://www.hoganlovells.com/en
Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT LLP
- Companies House: OC328697
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNXT-4669-GCBV
3 More London Riverside
London
SE1 2AQ
United Kingdom
Website: http://www.nortonrosefulbright.com
Region: UKI44 - Lewisham and Southwark
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
SHAKESPEARE MARTINEAU LLP
- Companies House: OC319029
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXPX-4658-DTQQ
No 1 Colmore Square
Birmingham
B4 6AA
United Kingdom
Email: tenders@shma.co.uk
Website: https://www.shma.co.uk/
Region: UKG31 - Birmingham
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. LOT 1 - Energy Regulation & Frameworks
TLT LLP
- Companies House: OC308658
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHZR-1968-PDCV
One Redcliff Street
Bristol
BS1 6TP
United Kingdom
Email: tenders@tlt.com
Website: http://www.TLT.com
Region: UKK11 - Bristol, City of
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 2. Lot 2 - General Legal Services
WOMBLE BOND DICKINSON (UK) LLP
- Companies House: OC317661
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYBM-6288-WNYY
4 More London Riverside
London
SE1 1AU
United Kingdom
Website: http://www.womblebonddickinson.com
Region: UKI44 - Lewisham and Southwark
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contracting authority
NATIONAL ENERGY SYSTEM OPERATOR LIMITED
- Companies House: 11014226
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHQL-5234-MWWV
St Catherine's Lodge Bearwood Road
Wokingham
RG41 5BN
United Kingdom
Email: nesoprocurement@neso.energy
Region: UKJ11 - Berkshire
Organisation type: Public undertaking (commercial organisation subject to public authority oversight)