We procure services to balance demand and supply and to ensure the security and quality of electricity supply across Britain's transmission system.

On this page you will find further information about the balancing services that the ESO uses.

Our core service categories
Frequency response service
Reserve services
System security services
Reactive power services
Balancing mechanism
Other

New to market?

We always want to increase competition for delivery of our services to reduce costs to the end consumer, so we’re keen to talk to new providers of balancing services.

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How to supply your services

National Grid ESO is focused on becoming a better buyer of balancing services.
We provide helpful documents to help you understand the end to end experience if you’re thinking about supplying us with your services.

Read more

Existing providers

Resources and useful information if you're already a provider. 

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Settlements

Find links to explanations for payments, upcoming invoice dates and other frequently asked questions about settlements.

Find out more

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Balancing services website review

We are making improvements to our website to make it easier for you to find the information and support you need. As part of this, we are reviewing the structure of our balancing services area. We've put together a short exercise to help us understand where you would expect to find certain information. If you could spare 5 to 10 minutes to complete this, we'd really value your input.

Take part in the balancing services review

How we’re transforming the market

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Markets Transformation Roadmap to 2025

Learn more about how we are developing new and existing markets to reach our net zero ambition.

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NOA Pathfinder Projects

Our Pathfinder Projects aim to find solutions to some of the challenges of the electricity system with increasing amounts of renewable and low carbon generation.

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Future of balancing services

A smart, flexible system that makes the best use of all the energy sources available will enable us to meet our customers’ needs in a balanced, efficient and economical way.

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Power Responsive

Power Responsive is a collaborative approach to turn debate into action and realise the possibilities created by demand side solutions. Register for the mailing list for news, updates, and engagement activities.

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Contact Balancing Services

See contact details for our friendly Balancing Services Team who are on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Get in touch with Balancing Services