The Balancing Mechanism operates continuously in real time after Gate Closure.

Time Structure

  • Settlement Period (SP): 30 minutes
  • Dispatch instructions: ~1-minute resolution
  • Pricing granularity: 5-minute imbalance pricing blocks

Decision Factors

NESO accepts actions based on:

  • System imbalance
  • Network constraints
  • Cost
  • Reserve requirements

Typical Dispatch Actions

  • Increasing generator output
  • Reducing generator output
  • Adjusting demand (up or down)