National Grid ESO’s markets for balancing the system and addressing constraints continue to be dominated by fast-acting gas plants. More flexible and responsive low-carbon assets, such as batteries, could lead to greater competition in National Grid ESO’s markets and offer more cost-effective services. We recommend that National Grid ESO opens up its markets to more participants and that it is transparent about the choices it makes when selecting which technologies will be used to balance the...

National Grid ESO’s markets for balancing the system and addressing constraints continue to be dominated by fast-acting gas plants. More flexible and responsive low-carbon assets, such as batteries, could lead to greater competition in National Grid ESO’s markets and offer more cost-effective services. We recommend that National Grid ESO opens up its markets to more participants and that it is transparent about the choices it makes when selecting which technologies will be used to balance the system. We further recommend that National Grid ESO reports on the carbon footprint of all its markets. In response to this report, we also ask that Nat Type: recommendation | Number: 51 | Response status: partially_accepted Government response: 119. [Response provided by ESO] The Electricity System Operator procures services to balance demand and supply and to ensure the security and quality of electricity supply across Britain’s transmission system. The Balancing Mechanism is the ESO’s primary