Balansmechanisme

Balansmechanisme is a term used in electricity systems to describe the set of processes and rules through which the system operator maintains real-time balance between electricity generation and consumption. It covers the procurement and deployment of balancing energy to correct deviations between forecasted and actual supply and demand.

The primary purpose of a balansmechanisme is to keep the electric grid stable and frequency within its target range. When actual generation and consumption diverge from forecasts, the balancing mechanism activates to restore balance. This can involve increasing generation, reducing consumption, or both, using resources that can adjust output on short notice.

How it works in practice varies by market, but common elements include: participants submit forecasts for their output and usage, the system operator computes the residual imbalance, and balancing actions are procured from providers capable of adjusting their power within short timeframes. Balancing energy is delivered in real time or near real time, and the actions are compensated according to balancing energy prices. Imbalances can trigger up- or down-regulation, with costs recovered from the parties responsible for the deviation.

Participants typically include balancing responsible parties, generators, large consumers, and aggregators that can flexibly adjust consumption or production. The system operator coordinates these actions, and the balansmechanisme is distinct from the day-ahead and intraday markets, though it may interact with them for forecasting and procurement.

Regulatory contexts often promote cross-border cooperation in balancing to improve efficiency. Balancing prices reflect the marginal cost of the last balancing action and influence incentives to improve forecast accuracy and demand response.