Balancing Reserve

Balancing Reserve is a key service used by National Grid to maintain grid stability by providing flexible capacity during supply and demand imbalances. This reserve is typically called upon via the Balancing Mechanism during unexpected generation shortfalls or demand spikes, ensuring the grid remains secure. Assets participating in Balancing Reserve can offer either positive reserve (generating more, consuming less) or negative reserve (generating less, consuming more), or they can provide both. This flexibility provides a critical safety net for the grid and creates significant revenue opportunities for assets that can deliver capacity when needed, whether by increasing generation or reducing demand.