Frequency Response Services

National Grid face an increasingly complex challenge ensuring that generation capacity meets supply. At the same time, it is vitally important that operating frequency remains consistent, never varying more than 1% from 50Hz. Frequency response services are a primary mechanism used to ensure that.

Frequency response is similar to demand response but requires fast response to ensure that grid frequency remains constant. Sites that are contracted to provide frequency response services must be able to do so instantaneously in the case of dynamic response, and within 30 seconds for the case of static response.

National Grid contracts frequency response services through a mix of weekly and monthly auctions. Organisations that possess the capability to rapidly provide frequency response, such as those with energy storage on-site, can access additional revenue through this scheme. Only very large energy users (with a total 1MW of capacity) will be able to contract directly with National Grid, but smaller providers may also do so through the use of an aggregator to band them together with other participants.