Please note, all submissions intended for SONI – DS3 System Service – Volume Uncapped – Gates, should be submitted using the United Kingdom Tenders Platform only, www.mytenders.co.uk.
Please register your company on www.myTenders.co.uk to receive notice of any potential SONI contract notices for DS3 System Service Gates. SONI will not accept any tender submission which has not been uploaded to the www.myTenders.co.uk tender box prior to the SONI tender closing time. Please note, we will not accept any SONI tender submissions for DS3 System Service Gates through the www.etenders.gov.ie platform, this platform should be used for EirGrid submissions only. SONI is not responsible for any impact on any tenderer who does not submit their SONI tender through the correct platform as outlined above.
If you require assistance with registering on www.mytenders.co.uk website or are having difficulty uploading your tender response to the website, please contact their helpdesk on 0800 2229006. SONI cannot provide technical assistance with this website.
Tenderers should email tenders2@soni.ltd.uk if you require any further information regarding the above notice, thank you.
SONI and NIE Networks have published a joint decision paper on Changes to Over Install Policy for Single Technology & Hybrid Co-Located Technology. This decision paper follows a consultation process that sought to gain feedback from stakeholders on NIE Networks' and SONI's joint proposal to amend existing arrangements for Over Install.
On 20 September 2023, SONI and EirGrid hosted a workshop where our partners DotEcon and Afry presented their proposals for daily auction arrangements for system services, as set out in their recommendations paper (which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying supporting note).
The slide deck and Q&A from the workshop have now been published.
As part of the ongoing work to develop Future Arrangements for System Services, SONI and EirGrid have been working with our partners DotEcon and Afry on the development of proposals for suitable future auction arrangements for System Services based on the High-Level Design set out by the SEM Committee (SEM-22-012).
The focus of this work has been on the development of daily auction arrangements, initially for reserve services, but with the intention of creating a framework extendable to other system services.
SONI and EirGrid have today (7/9/23) published a recommendations paper from DotEcon and Afry, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying supporting note.
SONI and EirGrid will be inviting feedback from industry on the recommendations set out in the paper.
EirGrid and SONI have published the outcome of the procurement for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements Volume Uncapped – Gate 8. This includes a summary of successful tenderers and the services for which they have been contracted for both Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Twelve system services were procured from service providers in Ireland and Northern Ireland under the DS3 System Services procurement process, with separate agreements for each jurisdiction. The Regulated Arrangements became effective on May 1st 2018.
EirGrid and SONI have also published a summary of the contracted volumes for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements.
The aim of DS3 System Services is to put in place the correct structure, level and type of service in order to ensure that the system can operate securely with higher levels of non-synchronous renewable generation (up to 75% instantaneous penetration).
11.01.2023 SONI and EirGrid have today published a Recommendations Paper on the Procurement of Low Carbon Inertia Services (LCIS).
In this paper we set out our recommendations on the volumes to be procured and on a range of design details for the LCIS procurement process that is expected to commence in 2023.
This recommendations paper should be read in conjunction with the corresponding SEM Committee decision.
The recommendations and decision follows a consultation held by SONI and EirGrid from 22 June to 12 August 2022.
If you have any queries relating to this Recommendations Paper, please email SOEF@EirGrid.com or SOEF@soni.ltd.uk.
This Operational Policy Roadmap sets out our plans for evolving operational policy to 2030.
16.12.2022 SONI and EirGrid have launched the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements Volume Uncapped Gate 8 procurement process. The tender for Gate 8 was published on eTenders 9th December 2022 and in the Official Journal of European Union (OJEU) Wednesday 14th December 2022.
eTenders: RFT 229595
OJEU Tender Ref: 2022/S 241-694840 – DS3 System Services – Volume Uncapped – Gate 8
Please note that the DS3 tariffs are at present subject to review following a recent consultation process. The consultation paper published on 16th September 2022 is available on the EirGrid and SONI websites. The TSOs have been advised that the SEM Committee will publish a decision on potential changes to the Tariff Rates in the coming months. Should there be a change to the Tariff Rates the TSOs anticipate that the timelines to award of contract for Gate 8 may be extended by 30 days, or such a time period that the TSOs consider necessary.
21.11.2022 SONI and EirGrid have today published a recommendations paper on the DS3 System Services Protocol Document - Regulated Arrangements. The Protocol document specifies the compliance requirements which a service provider must satisfy before being paid for DS3 System Services. In addition, it specifies the Performance Monitoring procedures to be applied. It also contains operational requirements, specifying minimum standards that Providing Units must meet.
The recommended changes to the Protocol document have been approved by the Regulatory Authorities.
The decision follows a consultation held by SONI and EirGrid in March 2022. The non-confidential responses to the consultation are appended to the recommendations paper.
The paper is accompanied by version 4.0 of the DS3 System Services Protocol document.
The effective date of version 4.0 of the Protocol Document will be 1st December 2022.
16.09.2022. SONI and EirGrid have today published a consultation paper on DS3 System Services Expenditure. This follows previous information notes and a previous consultation process which took place last year. Following the previous consultation process, the SEM Committee made the decision to reduce tariffs for FFR – TOR2 by 10%. The TSOs consider breach of the current cap of €235M likely if further control measures are not implemented by Q1 2023. The consultation paper outlines options to mitigate breach of the regulatory guideline for the 2022/23 tariff year.
Responses to the consultation, preferably structured in line with the specific questions raised in this paper should be sent to ds3@soni.ltd.uk by 14th October 2022.
19.07.2022 SONI and EirGrid held an Industry Information Session to provide an overview and clarifications of our Low Carbon Inertia Service (LCIS) consultation focusing on the Requirements and Procurement Approach.
This Operational Policy Roadmap sets out our plans for evolving operational policy to the end of 2023.
SONI and EirGrid have today published a consultation paper on the procurement of Low Carbon Inertia Service (LCIS).
This consultation covers the volumes to be procured (based on studies conducted) and presents options and proposals on a range of design details for the LCIS procurement process that is expected to commence in 2023.
Responses to the consultation, preferably structured in line with the specific questions raised in this paper, should be submitted via either SONI or EirGrid consultation portals before 5 August 2022.
This Implementation Note has been written by SONI and EirGrid to offer guidance to those planning to connect Synchronous Condensers Units (SCU) in order to provide system services within Northern Ireland and Ireland, specifically in relation to the application of Grid Codes within both jurisdictions.
EirGrid and SONI have published the outcome of the procurement for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements Volume Uncapped
– Gate 7. This includes a summary of successful tenderers and the services for which they have been contracted for both Ireland and
Northern Ireland.
Twelve system services were procured from service providers in Ireland and Northern Ireland under the DS3 System Services procurement process, with separate agreements for each jurisdiction. The Regulated Arrangements became effective on May 1st 2018.
EirGrid and SONI have also published a summary of the contracted volumes for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements.
The aim of DS3 System Services is to put in place the correct structure, level and type of service in order to ensure that the system can operate securely with higher levels of non-synchronous renewable generation (up to 75% instantaneous penetration).
In response to industry feedback the TSOs have published further details here on the calculation behind the FFR Performance Assessment (Section 5.14 of the DS3 System Service Protocol – Regulated Arrangements). This document was previously published in May 2022 and has been circulated via email to existing Service Providers of the FFR service for their information.
In response to industry feedback the TSOs have published further details here on the calculation behind the FFR Performance Assessment (Section 5.14 of the DS3 System Service Protocol – Regulated Arrangements). This document has previously been circulated via email to existing Service Providers of the FFR service for their information.
EirGrid and SONI have published the outcome of the procurement for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements Volume Uncapped – Gate 6. This includes a summary of successful tenderers and the services for which they have been contracted for both Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Twelve system services were procured from service providers in Ireland and Northern Ireland under the DS3 System Services procurement process, with separate agreements for each jurisdiction. The Regulated Arrangements became effective on May 1st 2018.
EirGrid and SONI have also published a summary of the contracted volumes for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements together with the forecast expenditure for the period October 1st 2021 to September 30th 2022.
The aim of DS3 System Services is to put in place the correct structure, level and type of service in order to ensure that the system can operate securely with higher levels of non-synchronous renewable generation (up to 75% instantaneous penetration).
EirGrid and SONI have published the outcome of the procurement for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements Volume Uncapped – Gate 6. This includes a summary of successful tenderers and the services for which they have been contracted for both Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Twelve system services were procured from service providers in Ireland and Northern Ireland under the DS3 System Services procurement process, with separate agreements for each jurisdiction. The Regulated Arrangements became effective on May 1st 2018.
EirGrid and SONI have also published a summary of the contracted volumes for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements together with the forecast expenditure for the period October 1st 2021 to September 30th 2022.
The aim of DS3 System Services is to put in place the correct structure, level and type of service in order to ensure that the system can operate securely with higher levels of non-synchronous renewable generation (up to 75% instantaneous penetration).
EirGrid and SONI have published the outcome of the procurement for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements Volume Uncapped – Gate 5. This includes a summary of successful tenderers and the services for which they have been contracted for both Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Twelve system services were procured from service providers in Ireland and Northern Ireland under the DS3 System Services procurement process, with separate agreements for each jurisdiction. The Regulated Arrangements became effective on May 1st 2018.
EirGrid and SONI have also published a summary of the contracted volumes for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements together with the forecast expenditure for the period October 1st 2021 to September 30th 2022.
The aim of DS3 System Services is to put in place the correct structure, level and type of service in order to ensure that the system can operate securely with higher levels of non-synchronous renewable generation (up to 75% instantaneous penetration).
31.03.2022 In March 2022, SONI and EirGrid held a workshop to discuss New System Services Ramping Product. Publication of the slide deck from the workshop is available here.
Publication of the slide deck from the DS3 System Services Protocol Consultation Information Session that was held on 22/03/2022.
04.03.22 SONI and EirGrid have today published a consultation paper on the DS3 System Services Protocol Document. The Protocol document specifies the compliance requirements which a service provider must satisfy before being paid for DS3 System Services. In addition, it specifies the Performance Monitoring procedures to be applied. It also contains operational requirements, specifying minimum standards that Providing Units must meet.
This consultation paper outlines the proposed amendments to the DS3 System Services Protocol document – Regulated Arrangements, Version 3.0, effective date 1st October 2020 which is available here. The marked up version of the Protocol document which accompanies this consultation is available here. The purpose of the consultation paper is to provide stakeholders with information about our proposals and a guide to the consultation process.
Responses to the consultation, preferably structured in line with the specific questions raised in this paper should be sent to DS3@soni.ltd.uk or DS3@eirgrid.com by 15th April 2022.
15.12.2021 SONI and EirGrid held a webinar to provide an introduction to, and overview of, our proposed Low Carbon Inertia Service consultations and procurement plans.
SONI and EirGrid recently conducted analysis on indicative System Services volumes and requirements for 2030 based on three illustrative portfolios to support the work being undertaken by the regulatory authorities on the High-Level Design (HLD) of the Future Arrangements. The reason for developing three portfolios is to demonstrate that the System Services needed to operate the power system at very high System Non-Synchronous Penetration (SNSP) levels could be provided by a range of technologies. The portfolios were developed solely for the purpose of the analysis undertaken and do not represent desired, expected or optimal portfolios.
This paper summaries the results of the preliminary analysis undertaken and indicates the system services capabilities that could be delivered to enable operation at high SNSP levels provided that the right investment signals are given. Additional work on system services volumes and requirements will be undertaken in 2022 and stakeholders will be kept up to date on the outcomes from this further analysis either through a revision of this paper or through publication of additional documents. In addition, SONI and EirGrid are actively engaging with the regulatory authorities on the topic of system services volumes and the outcome of these ongoing discussions will be reflected in future publications.
SONI and EirGrid have today published updated DS3 System Services Tariff Rates as approved by the SEM Committee in a letter dated 23rd November 2021. This follows an industry consultation process conducted by SONI and EirGrid as directed by the Regulatory Authorities on the management of the overall System Services budget. As part of this consultation process, a consultation paper was published on 28th May 2021, this followed information notes issued to industry on 07th May 20211 and 16th September 20202. Following feedback from consultation respondents, the TSOs submitted an recommendations paper to the RAs on 09th August 2021.
SONI and EirGrid have published the outcome of the procurement for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements Volume Uncapped – Gate 4B. This includes a summary of successful tenderers and the services for which they have been contracted for both Northern Ireland and Ireland.
Twelve system services were procured from service providers in Northern Ireland and Ireland under the DS3 System Services procurement process, with separate agreements for each jurisdiction. The Regulated Arrangements became effective on May 1st 2018.
SONI and EirGrid have also published a summary of the contracted volumes for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements together with the forecast expenditure for the period October 1st 2020 to September 30th 2021.
The aim of DS3 System Services is to put in place the correct structure, level and type of service in order to ensure that the system can operate securely with higher levels of non-synchronous renewable generation (up to 75% instantaneous penetration).
SONI and EirGrid have today published a consultation paper on DS3 System Services Expenditure. This follows an information note issued to industry on 07th May which advised of the launch of a consultation process due to the forecast increase in expenditure.
Responses to the consultation, preferably structured in line with the specific questions raised in this paper should be sent to ds3@soni.ltd.uk by 02nd July 2021.
SONI and EirGrid have published the outcome of the procurement for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements Volume Uncapped – Gate 4. This includes a summary of successful tenderers and the services for which they have been contracted for both Northern Ireland and Ireland.
Twelve system services were procured from service providers in Ireland and Northern Ireland under the DS3 System Services procurement process, with separate agreements for each jurisdiction. The Regulated Arrangements became effective on 01 May 2018.
SONI and EirGrid have also published a summary of the contracted volumes for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements together with the forecast expenditure for the period 01 October 2020 to 30 September 2021.
The aim of DS3 System Services is to put in place the correct structure, level and type of service in order to ensure that the system can operate securely with higher levels of non-synchronous renewable generation (up to 75% instantaneous penetration).
07.05.2021 As part of SONI and EirGrid's role in monitoring current and potential future spend on system services, the TSOs recognise the potential for an increase in the costs of system services as previously communicated in an information note published in September 2020. The TSOs now wish to inform stakeholders that a consultation process will be launched in the coming weeks to address this potential increase in expenditure. The DS3 System Services Expenditure Note in full can be found here.
23.03.2021 In November 2020, SONI and EirGrid held a DS3 System Services Protocol workshop. A number of topics were discussed including the removal of the Primary Operating Reserve (POR) Inertia Credit from the assessment of POR performance.
The TSOs have listened to the feedback from industry received at the workshop and from one to one meetings with stakeholders. We would like to inform industry in advance of the next DS3 Protocol consultation that the removal of the POR inertia credit will not be included in the scope of changes; however will continue to be reviewed for future iterations.
We had previously stated we would publish a consultation in March, however, this has been delayed as we seek to ensure we have explored all options in improving the Ramping assessment methodology.
26.02.2020 The OJEU notice for DS3 System Services – Regulated Arrangements Volume Uncapped Gate 4B is now available on the eTenders and OJEU websites. The reference numbers are as follows:
Applicants are invited to submit a tender for this contract in accordance with the instructions set out in the Request For Proposal (RFP), which you can find by registering and logging in here.
27.11.2020 SONI and EirGrid have today published a decision paper that advises of limited amendments to the procurement of DS3 System Services under the Regulated Tariff (Volume Uncapped) Arrangements that the TSOs will implement in 2021 to mitigate some of the financial risk that existing or prospective providers of System Services may encounter arising from government measures introduced to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
26.11.2020 The OJEU notice for DS3 System Services – Regulated Arrangements Volume Uncapped Gate 4 is now available on the eTenders and OJEU websites. The reference numbers are as follows:
OJEU Ref: 2020/S 230-568172
eTenders Ref: 179954
EirGrid Tender Ref: ENQEIR739 – DS3 System Services – Volume Uncapped – Gate 4
Applicants are invited to submit a tender for this contract in accordance with the instructions set out in the Request For Proposal (RFP), which you can find by registering and logging in here.
18.11.2020 SONI and EirGrid have published the outcome of the procurement for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements Volume Uncapped – Gate 3. This includes a summary of successful tenderers and the services for which they have been contracted for both Northern Ireland and Ireland. Twelve system services were procured from service providers in Ireland and Northern Ireland under the DS3 System Services procurement process, with separate agreements for each jurisdiction. The Regulated Arrangements became effective on 01 May 2018. SONI and EirGrid have also published a summary of the contracted volumes for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements together with the forecast expenditure for the period 01 October 2020 to 30 September 2021. The aim of DS3 System Services is to put in place the correct structure, level and type of service in order to ensure that the system can operate securely with higher levels of non-synchronous renewable generation (up to 75% instantaneous penetration).
16.09.2020 As part of SONI and EirGrid's role in monitoring current and potential future spend on system services, the TSOs recognise the potential for an increase in the costs of system services. In response to this, we have today published an information note on DS3 system services expenditure and will continue to monitor this evolving situation and engaging with our key stakeholders to ensure that any necessary interventions are carried out in line with our regulatory obligations. The DS3 System Services Expenditure Note in full can be found here.
01.09.2020 SONI and EirGrid have today published a consultation paper on proposed limited amendments to the procurement of DS3 System Services under the Regulated Tariff (Volume Uncapped) Arrangements to mitigate some of the financial risk that existing or prospective providers of System Services may have encountered arising from government measures introduced to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Responses to the consultation should be sent to DS3Procurement@EirGrid.com by Friday 25 September 2020.
17.06.2020 The OJEU notice for DS3 System Services – Regulated Arrangements Volume Uncapped Gate 3 is now available on the eTenders and OJEU websites. The reference numbers are as follows:
OJEU Ref: 2020/S 116-282623
eTenders Ref: 169912
EirGrid Tender Ref: ENQEIR722 - DS3 System Services - Volume Uncapped – Gate 3
Applicants are invited to submit a tender for this contract in accordance with the instructions set out in the Request For Proposal (RFP), which you can find by registering and logging in here.
12.06.2020 SONI and EirGrid have today published a recommendations paper on the DS3 System Services Protocol Document - Regulated Arrangements. The Protocol document specifies the compliance requirements which a service provider must satisfy before being paid for DS3 System Services. In addition, it specifies the Performance Monitoring procedures to be applied. It also contains operational requirements, specifying minimum standards that Providing Units must meet.
The recommended changes to the Protocol document have been approved by the Regulatory Authorities.
The decision follows a consultation held by SONI and EirGrid in April 2020. The non-confidential responses to the consultation are appended to the recommendations paper.
The paper is accompanied by version 3.0 of the DS3 System Services Protocol document.
The effective date of version 3.0 of the Protocol Document will be 1st October 2020. This is aligned with the contract execution of successful tenders of DS3 System Services Gate 3 procurement.
SONI and EirGrid have published the outcome of the procurement for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements Volume Uncapped – Gate 2. This includes a summary of successful tenderers and the services for which they have been contracted for both Northern Ireland and Ireland.
Twelve system services were procured from service providers in Ireland and Northern Ireland under the DS3 System Services procurement process, with separate agreements for each jurisdiction. The Regulated Arrangements became effective on 01 May 2018.
EirGrid and SONI have also published a summary of the contracted volumes for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements together with the forecast expenditure for the period 01 October 2019 to 30 September 2020.
The aim of DS3 System Services is to put in place the correct structure, level and type of service in order to ensure that the system can operate securely with higher levels of non-synchronous renewable generation (up to 75% instantaneous penetration).
08.04.2020 SONI and EirGrid have today published a consultation paper on the DS3 System Services Protocol Document. The Protocol document specifies the compliance requirements which a service provider must satisfy before being paid for DS3 System Services. In addition, it specifies the Performance Monitoring procedures to be applied. It also contains operational requirements, specifying minimum standards that Providing Units must meet.
This consultation paper outlines the proposed amendments to the DS3 System Services Protocol document – Regulated Arrangements, Version 2.0, effective date 1st May 2019 which is available here. The marked up version of the Protocol document which accompanies this consultation is available here. The purpose of the consultation paper is to provide stakeholders with information about our proposals and a guide to the consultation process.
Responses to the consultation, preferably structured in line with the specific questions raised in this paper should be sent to DS3@soni.ltd.uk or DS3@eirgrid.com by 12th May 2020.
16.10.2019 EirGrid and SONI have today published the outcome of the procurement for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements Volume Uncapped – Gate 1. This includes a summary of successful tenderers and the services for which they have been contracted for both Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Twelve system services were procured from service providers in Ireland and Northern Ireland under the DS3 System Services procurement process, with separate agreements for each jurisdiction. The Regulated Arrangements became effective on May 1st 2018.
EirGrid and SONI have also published a summary of the contracted volumes for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements together with the forecast expenditure for the period October 1st 2019 to September 30th 2020.
The aim of DS3 System Services is to put in place the correct structure, level and type of service in order to ensure that the system can operate securely with higher levels of non-synchronous renewable generation (up to 75% instantaneous penetration).
EirGrid and SONI are delighted to announce the outcomes of the Volume Capped procurement process. This procurement process, one of the first of its kind globally, was put in place to ensure the provision of high-availability reserve services to the all-island system, and attracted a high level of interest. These services will assist Ireland and Northern Ireland in ensuring we can securely operate the power system with increasing amounts of variable non-synchronous renewable generation as we work towards decarbonising the electricity sector. They form part of the overall DS3 programme, which has already enabled the island to achieve record levels of instantaneous operation of variable renewables for a single synchronous electricity system.
The tendering process was competitive, attracting bids for 18 service providers. Of these, three were successful, providing 110 MW of Volume Capped services in total. All of the successful projects were solid-state batteries located in Ireland and received their connection offer through ECP-1. The date of dispatch of the Contract Award Notice to OJEU was 1st October 2019. The successful tenders are summarised below:
|
Providing Unit |
Service Provider |
Contract Size |
|
Gorman Energy Storage Station |
ScottishPower Renewables (UK) Limited |
50 MW |
|
Porterstown Battery Storage Facility |
Porterstown Battery Storage Limited |
30 MW |
|
Kilmannock Battery Storage Facility |
Kilmannock Battery Storage Limited |
30 MW |
The estimated total value of these contracts is around €6 million per year, totalling approximately €38 million for the lifetime of the contracts. This successful outcome represents significant savings for the end user. By way of comparison, if the equivalent level of services were procured through the Volume Uncapped process, the value of the contracts would be approximately €210 million.
10.06.2019 The DS3 Volume Capped competition has now reached tender stage. We are today publishing redline versions of the Legal Agreements and Protocol document, which identifies significant changes since the previous drafts were published.
Should you have any comments on the above please submit them to DS3@soni.ltd.uk or DS3@eirgrid.com.
27.05.2019 In advance of the RFP stage of the Volume Capped Tender procurement process, EirGrid and SONI have today published this information note* which aims to give some clarity on interactions between Volume Capped and the existing I-SEM arrangements. In particular it examines how batteries contracted under Volume Capped would be expected to behave in the ex-ante energy markets and Balancing Market under relevant scenarios.
The PQQ evaluation is currently being finalised and the RFP stage will commence shortly thereafter.
Should you have any comments on the above please submit them to DS3@soni.ltd.uk or DS3@eirgrid.com.
*This document was updated on 10th June 2019.
15.05.2019 In advance of Phase 2 of the Volume Capped Tender procurement process, SONI and EirGrid have today published a draft of the SONI and EirGrid Contract Templates for these Arrangements, in order to assist candidates with their preparations. These new versions take into account the feedback received through our previous contract consultation (issued 25th October 2018). Please note that this draft will be finalised in line with the requirements of the procurement process.
For a redline comparison against the consulted contracts, please see the SONI and EirGrid versions.
Should you have any comments on the above please submit them to DS3@soni.ltd.uk.
10.05.2019 In advance of Phase 2 of the Volume Capped Tender procurement process, EirGrid and SONI have today published a draft of the DS3 Volume Capped Protocol in order to assist candidates with their preparations. Please note that this draft is subject to regulatory approval and will be finalised in line with the requirements of the procurement process.
In addition, the proposed values that will be used in the Volume Capped Arrangements for the Temporal Scarcity Scalar (TSS) are contained in this information note. As with the Protocol document, these figures are draft and will be finalised in line with the requirements of the procurement process.
Should you have any comments on the above please submit them to DS3@soni.ltd.uk.
29.03.2019 EirGrid and SONI have today published a recommendations paper on the DS3 System Services Protocol Document – Regulated Arrangements. The Protocol document specifies the compliance requirements which a service provider must satisfy before being paid for DS3 System Services. In addition, it specifies the Performance Monitoring procedures to be applied. It also contains operational requirements, specifying minimum standards that Providing Units must meet.
The recommended changes to the Protocol document have been approved by the SEM Oversight Committee.
The decision follows a consultation held by EirGrid and SONI in December 2018. The non-confidential responses to the consultation are appended to the recommendations paper.
The paper is accompanied by version 2.0 of the DS3 System Services Protocol document.
In order to implement the changes from the Protocol Document to the TSO Performance Monitoring systems, the effective date of version 2.0 of the Protocol Document will be 1st May 2019.
22.03.2019 The slides from the industry forum hosted on 14 March 2019 are now available here. These slides give details on our Qualification Trial Process, details on the Prequalification Questionnaire for the Volume Capped tender process, and an update on the DS3 Regulated Arrangements.
11.03.2019 Last Friday SONI and EirGrid published the 2019 DS3 System Services Qualification Trial Process (QTP). The purpose of the Qualification Trial Process is to enable new technologies to prove their System Service capabilities and to enable participation in the Central Procurement Process for DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements. It also facilitates the TSOs in the development of the new codes and standards for new technology classes, and new processes and procedures for the commissioning and testing of new technologies.
The notice for the DS3 System Services Qualification Trial Process in now available on the eTenders website. Applicants are invited to submit a tender for this contract in accordance with the instructions set out in the Request For Proposal (RFP), which you can find by registering and logging in here.
Reference details for the tender are as follows:
16.04.2019 The Volume Capped PQQ submission window has now closed, following an extension of the submission deadline until noon on Friday the 12th April. This extension was to provided to give EirGrid & SONI time to respond to the large volume of queries submitted, and to allow for any clarification requests on the responses.
07.03.2019 The OJEU notice for the DS3 System Services – Volume Capped in now available on the eTenders website. Applicants are invited to submit a tender for this contract in accordance with the instructions set out in the Request For Proposal (RFP), which you can find by registering and logging in here.
Reference details for the tender are as follows:
04.02.2019 SONI and EirGrid have today published their recommendation paper on the contractual arrangements for the DS3 System Services Fixed Contracts (‘Volume Capped’) process. This process is intended to provide contractual arrangements which are suitable for new providers of particular System Services with a very high level of availability. These contractual terms and conditions differing from the Regulated Tariff Arrangements, and include the awarding of 6 year fixed term contracts with fixed tariffs.
The next steps are outlined within the paper, and include the launch of the procurement process at the end of February. We intend to hold an industry forum shortly after the OJEU notice is published.
This recommendation paper should be read in conjunction with the corresponding SEM Committee decision.
If you have any queries relating to the event, please email DS3@EirGrid.com or DS3@soni.ltd.uk.
20.12.18 SONI and EirGrid have today published the DS3 Programme Transition Plan Q4 2018 – Q4 2020. The document provides an update to the structure of the DS3 Programme, moving away from an 11 workstream structure to two workstreams focused on future increases in System Non-Synchronous Penetration (SNSP). A recent review of this previous workstream structure, and the associated plans, has shown that several of the workstreams are complete and can therefore be closed. This document contains closeout statements for these completed workstreams, including work completed and impact of the workstream on the overall DS3 Programme objectives. The remaining workstreams will be transitioned into the new DS3 Programme plan that will adopt a project milestone and deliverable approach focused on delivering 70% SNSP and 75% SNSP.
17.01.19 Following feedback from industry EirGrid and SONI have extended the deadline for responses to the DS3 System Services Protocol Document consultation from 18th January to 30th January. The Protocol document specifies the compliance requirements which a service provider must satisfy before being paid for DS3 System Services. In addition, it specifies the Performance Monitoring procedures to be applied. It also contains operational requirements, specifying minimum standards that Providing Units must meet.
This consultation paper outlines the proposed amendments to the DS3 System Services Protocol document – Regulated Arrangements, Version 1.0, published 12th December 2017 which is available here. The marked up version of the Protocol document which accompanies this consultation is available here. The purpose of the consultation paper is to provide stakeholders with information about our proposals and a guide to the consultation process.
Responses to the consultation, preferably structured in line with the specific questions raised in this paper (a questionnaire template for responses is available here), should be sent to DS3@soni.ltd.uk or DS3@eirgrid.com by 30th January 2019.
30.11.18 EirGrid and SONI have today published the outcome of the procurement for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements Volume Uncapped – Phase 2. This includes a summary of successful tenderers from both Northern Ireland and Ireland which have been contracted to provide the FFR service under the DS3 System Services procurement process. The FFR service became effective on October 1st 2018.
EirGrid and SONI have also published a summary of the contracted volumes for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements Phase 2 together with the forecast expenditure for the service for the period October 1st 2018 to September 30th 2019.
The aim of DS3 System Services is to put in place the correct structure, level and type of service in order to ensure that the system can operate securely with higher levels of non-synchronous renewable generation (up to 75% instantaneous penetration).
16.11.18 SONI and EirGrid have today published the outcome of the procurement for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements Volume Uncapped – Phase 1. This includes a summary of successful tenderers and the services for which they have been contracted for both Northern Ireland and Ireland. Eleven system services were procured from service providers in Ireland and Northern Ireland under the DS3 System Services procurement process, with separate agreements for each jurisdiction. The Regulated Arrangements became effective on 01 May 2018.
SONI and EirGrid have also published a summary of the contracted volumes for the DS3 System Services Regulated Arrangements together with the forecast expenditure for the period 01 October 2018 to 30 September 2019.
The aim of DS3 System Services is to put in place the correct structure, level and type of service in order to ensure that the system can operate securely with higher levels of non-synchronous (variable) renewable generation (up to 75% instantaneous penetration).
25.10.2018 EirGrid and SONI have today published their consultation on the contractual arrangements for the DS3 System Services Fixed Contracts (‘Volume Capped’) process. This process is intended to provide contractual arrangements which are suitable for new providers of particular System Services with a very high level of availability. These contractual terms and conditions differ from the Regulated Tariff Arrangements, and include the awarding of 6 year fixed term contracts with fixed tariffs.
The SEM Committee Decision Paper on to the DS3 System Services Fixed Contract (‘Volume Capped’) procurement process was published in September 2018. This procurement process is aimed at new technologies which can be available to provide services at all times, and will offer 6 year contracts with terms and conditions differing from the Volume Uncapped procurement process. The TSOs have now published a consultation* paper on the contracts for these arrangements and other issues, along with drafts of the EirGrid and SONI contracts.
Responses to the consultation, preferably structured in line with the specific questions raised in the papers, should be sent to DS3@eirgrid.com or DS3@soni.ltd.uk by 6 December 2018. The questionnaire template for responses to this consultation is available to view here.
Should you have any questions please email DS3@EirGrid.com or DS3@SONI.ltd.uk
*Please note a previous version of this document contained an error in Table 1 (page 7) which indicated FFR response could be delivered from 0.1 seconds. This has been rectified to the correct value of 0.15 seconds.
06.09.2018 SONI and EirGrid have today published their recommendation paper* on the DS3 System Services Volume Capped procurement process. This process is intended to provide contractual arrangements which are suitable for aspiring entrants, with terms and conditions differing from the Volume Uncapped procurement process. This involves the awarding of 6 year fixed term contracts for the delivery of System Services. This recommendation paper should be read in conjunction with the SEM Committee decision. A summary of the non-confidential responses to the consultation is available to view here.
If you have any queries relating to the event, please email DS3@soni.ltd.uk
*Please note a previous version of this document contained an error in Table 2 (page 12) which indicated FFR response could be delivered from 0.1 seconds. This has been rectified to the correct value of 0.15 seconds.
On 20 September 2023, SONI and EirGrid hosted a workshop where our partners DotEcon and Afry presented their proposals for daily auction arrangements for system services, as set out in their recommendations paper (which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying supporting note). The slide deck [FASS-DotEcon-Afry-Industry-Workshop-SONI.pdf] and Q&A [FASS-DotEconArfy-Workshop-QA-September-23-SONI.pdf] from the workshop have now been published.