National Grid ESO

  • Press Releases

    Batteries see 149% increase in Balancing Mechanism activity

    Research from Cornwall Insight highlights that there are significant changes in the technology type that has been providing balancing actions to the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO), with activity from newer asset types seeing the greatest year-on-year increase. Accepted volumes in the Balancing Mechanism (BM) from identified batteries, gas...

  • Press Releases

    The effects of lockdown on the Balancing Mechanism

    The COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent lockdown restrictions have impacted GB’s energy market, with record low demand and wholesale prices. These changes in market conditions have seen National Grid as the Electricity System Operator (ESO) face operational challenges in balancing the electricity system. Research from Cornwall Insight highlights that during...

  • Press Releases

    COVID-19 impacts: reduction in inertia levels

    Analysis by Cornwall Insight reveals that inertia* levels have been falling over time as the proportion of synchronous generation has declined. The below graph highlights the drop in inertia and shows 2020 levels are significantly lower. While we are not even halfway through the year the shape of the curve...

  • Press Releases

    COVID-19 impacts: decrease in energy demand

    Research from Cornwall Insight highlights that a day after the government imposed lockdown, energy demand was down 13% across the day (Wednesday 25 March). This was much lower than the average Wednesday in March 2019, which is shown in the below graph. Tom Edwards Senior Modeller at Cornwall Insight said:...

  • Press Releases

    Cornwall Insight comments on National Grid ESO’s blackout investigation

    This morning Ofgem published National Grid’s investigation into the blackouts that occurred on 9 August. The regulator was concerned enough to launch its own examination to see what “lessons can be drawn” to “further improve the resilience of Britain’s energy networks”. The regulator will try and establish whether any network...

  • Press Releases

    Capacity Market renewable ratings clarity but gap in government policy remains

    National Grid ESO recently published its consultation* on the new de-rating factor methodology to be used for renewables participating in the Capacity Market (CM). The document forms a vital part of the five-year review of the Capacity Market. The new proposal is to use an Equivalent Firm Capacity (EFC) approach....