Scope
Description
The National Energy System Operator, NESO, is an independent, public corporation at the centre of the energy system taking a whole system view to create a world where everyone has access to reliable, clean and affordable energy.
Established in 2024 on the transfer of National Grid ESO into public ownership, NESO is now looking to set up its own legal panel to support it in fulfilling its public role as the independent system operator and planner and meeting its statutory objectives to promote net zero, security of supply and economy and efficiency across the energy system.
In the six months since its establishment, NESO has provided advice to government on how to meet its vision for a clean power system by 2030, played a central role in the design of reform to the framework for electricity connections (TMO4+) and investigated the incident in March 2025 which led to the temporary closure of Heathrow Airport.
NESO will continue to need external legal support across a range of similar projects, many being first of a kind, including where NESO is taking on new roles in the whole energy system. NESO will be looking for thought leaders in legal services to partner with the NESO Legal team in providing first class, pragmatic legal advice, supporting but also enabling NESO to meet its objectives.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £23,500,000 excluding VAT
- £28,200,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 31 January 2026 to 31 January 2029
- Possible extension to 31 January 2031
- 5 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79100000 - Legal services
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
- UKH - East of England
- UKI - London
- UKJ - South East (England)
- UKK - South West (England)
- UKL - Wales
- UKM - Scotland
Engagement
Engagement deadline
30 July 2025
Engagement process description
Objectives of the Engagement
1. Capture the expression of interest from legal service providers who may wish to participate in the upcoming procurement
2. Obtain structured feedback on key aspects of the proposed procurement, including:
.Scope and lotting strategy
.Delivery models and ways of working
.Commercial models and procurement approach
Submitting your response would enable us to capture your expression of interest and help ensure the resulting framework is commercial viable, accessible and fit for purpose.
Response Instructions
All responses (including expression of interest) must be submitted via MS form link - https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=U2qK-fMlEkKQHMd4f800lT7n2iBqBGpAqeIBXOyN1xBUNjlXNUNIRDJTUzJVT01PV0dHMUdJUFQ4Mi4u by 30th July 2025, 12:00PM (BST).
Completion of this form:
. Registers your expression of interest
. Provides an opportunity to offer feedback
Engagement Method
All supplier are requested to respond exclusively through the MS form.
For any queries or clarifications, please reach out to NESO Procurement team via nesoprocurement@neso.energy. Please note that we will not be providing any additional information on individual basis to ensure fairness and transparency.
Disclaimer
This is not a call for competition. Participation does not affect future tendering opportunities.
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
1 September 2025
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)