National Grid procures Balancing Services in order to balance demand and supply and to ensure the security and quality of electricity supply across the GB Transmission System.  All the Balancing Services which National Grid are interested to purchase and the Procurement Mechanism by which National Grid envisage purchasing Balancing Services are set out in the Procurement Guidelines.  These services include; buying or selling electricity in the Balancing Mechanism, purchasing ancillary services, together with the use of other energy related products (such as Pre Gate Closure BMU Transactions).
 
The following Section provides a brief overview of each service together with further information on its procurement, potential tenders and utilisation.  The rules for governing the operation of the Balancing Mechanism are set out in the Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC).

For a more detailed account of each service please see the Balancing Services Contract Information Pack.