We do not republish articles from Daily Mail. Our findings are below, each quoting the words it is about. Read the full article on the outlet's own site.
The Daily Mail's headline says a probe is examining whether Ed Miliband's Net Zero drive made grid bosses mislead MPs, but the only on-record account in the body says Deloitte is reviewing procurement policies. The article also states in its own voice that the grid ran dangerously short of power on June 23, although NESO says it stayed within safe limits throughout. Loaded words in the outlet's voice tilt the story further against the energy transition.
Headline goes beyond the article
Serious
“Probe into whether Red Ed's obsession with Net Zero made power chiefs mislead MPs”
Why this matters
The headline says the probe is investigating whether Miliband's 'obsession with Net Zero' caused NESO bosses to 'mislead MPs'.
The impression it gives
An official investigation is examining a causal link between Miliband's policy and grid chiefs deceiving Parliament.
The context
The body gives one on-record account of the probe's remit. NESO says Deloitte was brought in to review procurement policies and procedures. Nothing in the body shows the probe is examining whether MPs were misled, or any role for Miliband. The earlier Eversheds inquiry did not substantiate claims that NESO altered records.
How we know
Elsewhere in the article“review and recommend opportunities to strengthen our procurement policies and procedures”
Elsewhere in the article“Deloitte had been brought in to review”
Elsewhere in the article“Eversheds does not substantiate claims NESO altered official records”
Deloitte reviews NESO procurement as whistleblowers allege the grid operator played down supply problems.
States one side's claim as fact
Serious
“The inquiry, conducted by the Deloitte consultancy, centres on explosive allegations”
Why this matters
In its own voice the Mail says the Deloitte inquiry 'centres on' allegations of a cover-up.
The impression it gives
The cover-up allegations are the established subject of the Deloitte inquiry.
The context
The only on-record description of Deloitte's remit, from NESO, is a review of procurement policies and procedures. The article gives no source for its claim that the inquiry centres on cover-up allegations.
How we know
Elsewhere in the article“Deloitte was engaged by NESO management to review”
Elsewhere in the article“review 'procurement policies and procedures' at the state-owned operator”
Written straight
NESO says Deloitte is reviewing its procurement policies. Insiders allege the operator has played down the strain on the grid.
States one side's claim as fact
Serious
“the grid ran dangerously short of power”
Why this matters
The Mail states in its own voice that the grid was 'dangerously' short of power on June 23.
The impression it gives
It is established that the grid came dangerously close to failure that day.
The context
This is the whistleblowers' account. NESO says the system remained within safe limits at all times, with no breaches of statutory frequency limits. The Eversheds report did not substantiate the claims that records were altered. The danger is contested, not settled.
How we know
Elsewhere in the article“the system had remained within safe limits at all times”
Elsewhere in the article“reveals whistleblower claims that NESO breached legal safety limits”
Written straight
On June 23, during the heatwave, the grid needed emergency imports of electricity. Whistleblowers say safety limits were breached; NESO says the system stayed within safe limits.
Uses a loaded word
Minor
“chaotic rollout”
Why this matters
The Mail calls the renewables rollout 'chaotic' in its own voice.
The impression it gives
The transition to wind power is established as disorderly.
The context
The article attributes the grid's problems to insiders and whistleblowers, whose claims NESO disputes. 'Chaotic' turns their contested view into the outlet's verdict.
How we know
Elsewhere in the article“There have been no breaches of statutory frequency limits”