We use several techniques and services to help maintain the security and quality of electricity supply across Britain's transmission system. Here you can find out about system security services and how you can participate. 

The techniques we use are: 

  • buying or selling electricity in the balancing mechanism; 
  • buying or selling electricity through trading; and 
  • entering into contracts for balancing services. 
Megawatt Dispatch

This new transmission constraints management service will complement existing market routes, like the Balancing Mechanism and Wider Access Markets.
Restoration Services

We use a number of techniques and services to help maintain the security and quality of electricity supply across Britain's transmission system. Find out more about these services and how you can participate.
National Grid ESO - annual report and accounts - Canary wharf at night
​System operator to system operator (SO to SO)

SO to SO services are provided mutually with other transmission system operators connected to Britain's transmission system via interconnectors.
A mapped network of different piping
Intertrips

Intertrip services are required as an automatic control arrangement where generation may be reduced or disconnected following a system fault event. 
Three National Grid workers assessing a number of display screens
Transmission constraint management

Required where the electricity transmission system is unable to transmit power to the location of demand due to congestion at one or more parts of the transmission network.
National Grid ESO - incentive performance past reports - Newcastle Landscape
Maximum Generation

The Maximum Generation (Max Gen) service allows access to capacity which is outside of the Generator’s normal operating range in emergency circumstances.