National Grid has sidestepped a major corporate dismantling by the energy regulator in favour of an arms-length separation of its dual roles in the energy system. Ofgem has been looking into the FTSE 100 energy giant's central role within the energy system over concerns that its responsibility for balancing the electricity system is in conflict with it interests owning and maintaining large parts of the wires and pipes which transport energy around England. The perceived conflict prompted MPs on the energy select committee to push for National Grid to be stripped of its role managing the UK energy networks last summer. But Ofgem's plans are less severe and call for the system operator to operate as a legally separate subsidiary with a separate board and employees while remaining wholly owned by National Grid.