The Obligatory Reactive Power Service (ORPS) is the provision of varying reactive power output. At any given output generators may be requested to produce or absorb reactive power to help manage system voltages close to its point of connection. All generators covered by the requirements of the Grid Code are required to have the capability to provide reactive power.  

Technical Requirements

The reactive power provider must:

  • be capable of supplying their rated power output (MW) at any point between the limits 0.85 power factor lagging and 0.95 power factor leading at the BMU terminals;
  • have the short circuit ratio of the BMU less than 0.5;
  • keep the reactive power output under steady state conditions fully available within the voltage range ±5% at 400kV, 275kV, 132kV and lower voltages; and
  • have a continuously acting automatic excitation control system to provide constant terminal voltage control of the BMU without instability over the entire operating range of the BMU.

Service dispatch

Instructions for reactive power are normally sent from us to the generator via an electronic dispatch logging (EDL) system.

Generators are generally instructed to reach a target MVAr level within two minutes. This target will sit within the reactive performance capability of the generator, outlined in their performance chart.

New Providers

 To provide the ORPS, a generator must have signed a mandatory services agreement (MSA). 

Providers will be advised during their connection compliance process what is required from them and the process to set up and put in place an MSA. 

Contact us if you have any questions relating to MSAs. 

Existing Providers

 This is a mandatory service for large generators and therefore there is no tender process. 

Providers will be advised during their connection compliance process what is required from them and the process to set up and put in place a mandatory services agreement (MSA). 

Getting paid 

Payment for the service will start from the date that the reactive capability has been tested and the final mandatory services agreement (MSA) is signed. 

ORPS is paid via the default payment mechanism. 

Under the default payment mechanism we pay all service providers for utilisation in £/MVArh. The utilisation payment is updated monthly in line with market indicators as set out in Schedule 3 of the Connection and Use of System Code (CUSC). 

Download the latest default payment rate for this service in the Market information tab. 

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Further enquiries

Get in touch with the right team within Balancing Services, who are on hand to answer any questions you may have.