18.7.2022

ACER grants an extension for regulators to decide on the minimum activation period of frequency containment reserves (FCR) providers

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ACER grants an extension for regulators to decide on the minimum activation period of frequency containment reserves (FCR) providers

What is it about?

The EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) adopted a decision granting National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) of the Continental Europe Synchronous Area (CE SA) an extension of six months to decide on the minimum activation period of frequency containment reserves (FCR) providers.

The adoption of this decision followed the joint request from the NRAs, which was submitted to ACER in May 2022. NRAs have now until 3 December 2022 to agree on the Transmission System Operators' (TSOs) proposal regarding the minimum activation period to be ensured by those FCR providers having units or groups with limited energy reservoirs to remain available during alert state.

What do frequency containment reserves (FCR) mean?

FCR (also known as primary control reserves) help maintain the power balance across the EU electricity grid. FCR are one of the balancing services to level out frequency deviations in the power grid. The FCR is the first response to frequency disturbances (e.g. following a planned/unplanned power plant outage). The minimum activation period must be ensured by the FCR providers. If the frequency deviation persists, the Frequency Restoration Reserves (FRR) subsequently replace the primary control reserve.

Access ACER’s Decision.