Firm Frequency Response (FFR)

Firm Frequency Response (FFR) is our traditional frequency response suite used for balancing grid frequency in real time.

  • Static FFR will continue to be actively procured until replaced with a future enduring static product.
  • Dynamic FFR has been phased out, as our new dynamic response services (DC, DM, DR) offset this requirement.

Service transition

 

Dynamic FFR

Static FFR

FY 2022-23

Dynamic service (as-is)     
Procured monthly

Static service (as-is)     
Procured monthly

FY 2023-24

Dynamic service (as-is)     
Procured monthly

Static service (as-is)     
Procured day-ahead

FY 2024-25

Ceased

Static service (see point below)     
Procured day-ahead

 

  • Following the delivery of Release 1, we'll explore the role that a static response service plays in our enduring suite of response and reserve products and what that static service looks like.
  • Proposed that day-ahead static response auction will be pay as clear.
New providers

FFR is procured through a monthly tender process. Once service providers succeed in the pre-qualification assessment and sign onto a framework agreement, they can tender into the monthly tenders. The FFR tender closes at 5pm on the 1st business day of each month. Results and contract award notifications are published no later than 5pm on the 12th business day.

We publish the FFR tender results on the NESO data portal, and send contract award letters via email.

Providers will need to test their assets according to the testing procedure in the FFR testing guidance before being able to submit tenders. These are also accessible under market information on the data portal. For further information, please contact your account manager.

Document library

Current documentation

Asset testing

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Before an asset can participate in the FFR tenders, it must pass testing for the service which it is bidding in to. Asset testing is a series of tests designed to prove that the assets can deliver the service according to the service design. Tests are signed off by an independent technical engineer, using the template in the testing documentation.

Contractual documents

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FFR's contractual documents include the latest standard contract terms and a signed framework agreement.

FFR framework agreements

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There are several different FFR framework agreements. Depending on how you register the unit delivering the service (BM or non-BM), and how the unit is made up (single or aggregated assets) will determine which framework agreement you'll need. It's possible to have multiple framework agreements.

Latest updates

FFR calendar and tender update

FFR tender rounds 159 (March 2023) onwards can be found in the 2023/2024 tender calendar.

View the 2023/2024 tender calendar

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Further enquiries

Get in touch with the right team within Balancing Services, who are on hand to answer any questions you may have.