What is the Network Emergency Coordinator (NEC)?

The Network Emergency Co-ordinator (NEC) is an independent industry role, established under the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations (GS(M)R) 1996. Its role is to coordinate actions across the gas network during periods of significant system stress, specifically, to prevent or limit the impact of a Network Gas Supply Emergency (NGSE), defined as “an emergency endangering persons arising from a loss of pressure in a network, or part thereof.”

Although the role is currently undertaken by National Gas, the NEC operates independently of any commercial interests. All gas industry participants, including Transporters and Shippers, have a legal duty to co-operate with the NEC, who has the authority to issue directions during an emergency.  

To ensure these arrangements remain robust and effective, the NEC leads a full-scale assurance exercise every year such as Glacier.  

About Exercise Glacier 2025

Exercise Glacier, held over three days in October 2025, is a key part of the gas industry’s statutory obligation to demonstrate readiness to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996.  

This year brought together more than 50 organisations across the energy system, including:

• Gas Distribution Networks
• The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
• The National Energy System Operator
• Electricity Distribution Network Operators
• LNG Terminals and Interconnectors
• Stakeholders from Ireland, including the Irish Government

Over the three-day simulation, participants responded to a series of planned scenarios that modelled a significant gas deficit and the risk of pressure loss on the National Transmission System. These scenarios simulated the kinds of complex, escalating conditions under which the NEC would exercise its emergency powers.

Findings and next steps

Publication of the post-exercise report is an important step in ensuring transparency, learning, and continuous improvement across the industry. The report highlights lessons learned, identifies areas for further strengthening, and supports the refinement of cross industry emergency procedures.

The report has been signed off by NEC Jon Butterworth and endorsed by the Health and Safety Executive, underscoring the importance of strong governance and industry collaboration in maintaining the safety and stability of the gas network.

You can download the full post-exercise report here.

Visit the NEC webpage to learn more about the role of the Network Emergency Co-ordinator and visit our Emergency Planning webpage to find out more about how annual assurance exercises like Glacier are planned and delivered.