This page has been set up to provide high level information, to assist potential providers of services to National Grid.  We encourage potential service providers to contact us for more detailed information on our service requirements and how they might be met.

Why do we need you?

National Grid is the owner of the England & Wales High Voltage Electricity Transmission System and the Operator of the GB High Voltage Electricity Transmission System.

To operate the system on a real time basis National Grid requires access to a range of services.  These services are used to balance supply and demand, and to maintain quality and security of supply.

Services can generally be provided to National Grid in one of two ways, either an increase in generation or a reduction in electricity demand by parties connected to the GB Electricity Network.  These services being delivered by a range of different providers:

• Generating units (including back up generators)
• Large loads who reduce their electricity consumption
• Aggregation of smaller loads from a number of sites

To find out if you have the potential to provide National grid with a useful balancing service, please refer to the following flowchart.

Events

On 9 July 2009, National Grid hosted an open day at the Electricity National Control Centre.  The day was structured to help educate and engage large energy users of the potential to offer balancing services to National Grid. Specifically, the ability to provide STOR and Frequency Response were discussed.  As well as highlighting National Grid’s short term service requirements, the day also provided attendees with an appreciation of what the future service requirements may be and the factors which will drive this.  Several different industry sectors were represented at the day. The presentations on the day are available for your information. 

For the second year in a row National Grid exhibited at the Energy Event at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull held on 9 and 10 September 2009.  As part of this event Chris Train, Director of Network Operations, presented on Managing the System in 2020.

Find out more about the services