Balancing Services
We procure services to balance demand and supply and to ensure the security and quality of electricity supply across Britain's transmission system.
To see a comprehensive list of balancing services and related areas, please go to the List of all balancing services page.
For a list of the Aggregators we contract with, please see Aggregator List
The ESO Balancing Services guidance document provides a starting point for new Providers and was developed in response to feedback from new and existing providers. This document provides signposts to information on the wider electricity market, as well as guidance on each stage of the provider journey, from signing a Framework Agreement through to Settlement. We welcome your views and will be making continuous improvements based on feedback received. Let us know your thoughts by taking our short survey.
Frequency response services
Our licence obligation is to control system frequency at 50Hz plus or minus 1%. Find out how to work with us.
Reserve services
Find out how we access sources of extra power, so we can manage unforeseen demand increase or generation unavailability.
System security services
Find out about the techniques and services we use to help maintain the security and quality of electricity supply across Britain's transmission system.
Trading
Power exchange trades, forward trades, and balancing contract enactment to meet forecast requirements at minimum cost in advance of the balancing mechanism.
Reactive power services
The flows of reactive power on the system affect voltage levels. Find out about the services we use to manage this.
Demand side response (DSR)
Demand side response (DSR) is all about intelligent energy use. Find out how DSR can help business and consumers save on total energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint.
Settlements
Find the forms you need to set up or change bank details with us, to change a reactive meter, change a contact or want to find out about statements, estimates and invoicing.
Future of balancing services
A smart, flexible system that makes the best use of all the energy resources available will enable us to meet our customers’ needs in a balanced, efficient and economical way.
Balancing Mechanism Wider Access
Find relevant guidance and supporting documents on our BM Wider Access work stream.