Network services procurement
What is network services procurement?
As the Electricity System Operator, it’s our job to keep the grid stable at all times so we can deliver safe and reliable electricity. We’re also preparing to operate at zero-carbon by 2025 as part of the UK’s net zero target for 2050.
So we’re looking for solutions to challenges in the electricity system, which is carrying increasing amounts of energy generated from renewable and low carbon sources. The programme that looks for these solutions is network services procurement (NSP).
Our network services procurement projects
There are three NSP projects, each designed to solve specific problems in the system.
Voltage network services procurement
Finding solutions to regional high voltage issues.
Stability network services procurement
Addressing our needs of national inertia, and local short circuit level at key locations across GB.
Constraint management intertrip service
Resolving network constraint issues and lowering balancing costs.
What is network services procurement trying to achieve?
Ultimately, we want to ensure we have the tools to safely and reliably operate the GB electricity network today and in a zero carbon future while keeping costs down for consumers.
The NSP approach is to open up news ways for the industry to offer solutions to help us meet system needs through our network studies. Over time, we will also develop the markets through which we procure services to reflect our evolving needs.
Our approach
We’re ‘learning by doing’ and engaging solution providers in an ongoing conversation about how we can improve tender processes for long-term contract opportunities. This will help to attract competitive and innovative service proposals, leading to contracts for the services we need.
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