Frequency Response

Frequency response ensures that the ‘heartbeat’ of electricity supply — the GB grid operating frequency — stays constant.

If the frequency goes too far from its normal value of 50Hz, blackouts or equipment damage can result. National Grid contracts frequency response services to make sure this doesn’t happen.

Frequency response is the fastest type of demand response — it is suitable for sites that can act in seconds to respond to failures at large power stations and/or help to manage the normal second-by-second frequency fluctuations. This includes energy storage, diesel rotary UPS (DRUPS) at data centres and industrial load, for example. Dynamic and static services have different response times, ranging from sub-second to 30 seconds.

Depending on the type of frequency response being procured by National Grid, contracts are secured through a daily auction or a monthly tender process.

Firm Frequency Response
Dynamic Containment
Dynamic Moderation
Dynamic Regulation

What we do:

Flexitricity maximises frequency response revenue for your site using our forecasting and pricing tools, and our unmatched market experience.
We ensure revenue agility by offering access to the full range of energy market opportunities.
We provide continuous remote monitoring and a direct line to our manned control room, 24/7.
Frequency response services are subject to strict technical requirements. Our experienced engineers know how to deliver the quality that National Grid needs.
We prioritise site security and ensure you can opt in and out according to your needs.

Setting up:

Before joining frequency response, your site needs the following:

Flexitricity outstation, frequency sensor and communications equipment (we provide all of that).
A power metering signal to measure responsive loads (we will advise on accuracy and speed requirements).
A single-phase feed to our frequency-sensing equipment.
Minimum capacity requirement for an asset to participate is 1MW. If your asset is less than 1MW in size, Flexitricity can aggregate it with others in our portfolio to allow participation.

We operate on a revenue share basis and we don’t charge management / upfront fees.

Implementation

Our team works hand in hand with you during engineering, commissioning and testing through to go-live. We also conduct an on site technical appraisal if required

Operation & Optimisation

We discuss and agree with you the best operational strategy for your site. Our operations team and trading desk monitor your site and the energy markets 24/7 and adjust the strategy as needed to maximise revenue for your assets.

Expansion

We help you keep up to date with the latest market developments and ensure you’re aware of any new opportunities.

Our frequency response credentials:

Flexitricity has been providing frequency response services longer than any other aggregator in the GB market.
We regularly secure above-market-average frequency response prices for our customers.
We collaborate with National Grid and other stakeholders to develop future frequency response products. Flexitricity was the sole demand response provider in National Grid’s Enhanced Frequency Control Capability project, which set the standard for future frequency response services.

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Brochure

Frequency Response Guide

Meaning automatic, rapid adjustments to generation or demand in response to a change in measured mains frequency.

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Get in touch today

Book a call with one of our energy market specialists to find out if you can participate and how much your site could earn.

0131 221 8100