Unternavigation

Demand side balancing reserve

The demand side balancing reserve relies on large – or smaller grouped – electricity consumers limiting their consumption in the event of a shortage. Participation is voluntary and remunerated. Participants and remuneration are determined through tenders. Companies participating in the demand side balancing reserve undertake to reduce their consumption to a specified secured capacity as soon as – and for as long as – the market price for electricity exceeds a set threshold. If the reserve is activated, a company may draw no more than the secured capacity from the grid. The company can sell any surplus electricity on the market. Unlike the other components of the electricity reserve, the demand side balancing reserve is deployed while electricity demand can still be met through the market. The reserve is therefore activated within the market and does not require governmental intervention. The tenders are conducted by the national grid operator.