Energy and related services

Tender description

Under the requirements of European Network Codes, interconnector capacity is considered firm. The interconnector operators manage the commercial exposure associated with physical unavailability on the link. This objective is captured under the SEM NRA decision on Balance Responsibility, as set out in the ‘Interim Cross Zonal TSO Arrangements for GB-ISEM go-live’ where interconnector owners are assigned responsibility for management of imbalance charges in the event of a forced outage. Imbalance charges will arise under a forced outage as EWIC capacity normally utilised by the market can no longer be delivered as the interconnector is unavailable. In order to effectively manage imbalance exposure in the event of a forced outage and reduce the overall exposure to the TUoS customer it is necessary for EirGrid PLC to engage an energy trader on behalf of (EIDAC). Under the requirements of European Network Codes, interconnector capacity is considered firm. The interconnector operators manage the commercial exposure associated with physical unavailability on the link. This objective is captured under the SEM NRA decision on Balance Responsibility, as set out in the ‘Interim Cross Zonal TSO Arrangements for GB-ISEM go-live’ where interconnector owners are assigned responsibility for management of imbalance charges in the event of a forced outage. Imbalance charges will arise under a forced outage as EWIC capacity normally utilised by the market can no longer be delivered as the interconnector is unavailable. In order to effectively manage imbalance exposure in the event of a forced outage and reduce the overall exposure to the TUoS customer it is necessary for EirGrid PLC to engage an energy trader on behalf of (EIDAC). The trading partner will buy and sell energy in both the Irish and GB electricity markets (carry out trading) on behalf of EIDAC to reconcile the market position of the EWIC at both ends of the link. The scope of requirements is expected to include, but is not limited to registration (at their cost) of Balancing Mechanism Units (BMUs) in both Elexon and SEM that should have a combined Generation and Demand Capacity of at least 1030 MW (representing the full potential swing of the interconnector). The Energy Trading Partner will then be permitted under specific notification events to combine trades in relation to the East West Interconnector with their market based trades subject to the requirement that the BMU can facilitate the size of trades required. The scope will also require Communications between EirGrid PLC and the Trading Partner, Reporting, Credit cover and Conflict of interest mitigation.