Ireland - Audit of Scheduling and Dispatch Process

Description

The ‘scheduling and dispatch process’ is the overall process resulting from the multiple inputs, processes and outputs which enable EirGrid and SONI to operate a secure system and efficient balancing market. It is a continuous ‘24/7’ process managed in a coordinated manner from the EirGrid and SONI control centres in Dublin and Belfast using a range of common operational systems and processes.The inputs in the process include parameters to give effect to a range of policies, participant data and system data. These inputs are processed by systems designed to give effect to all of EirGrid and SONI’s obligations. The outputs include operational schedules, dispatch instructions, imbalance pricing calculation factors and market reports. The scheduling and dispatch process operates within an obligations framework that extends from European regulations through to the Trading and Settlement Code and Grid Codes. A complete list of obligations is set out in the Balancing Market Principles Statement. These obligations provide the framework within which the scheduling and dispatch process operates. They determine the overall design of the processes that we follow; from the inputs that we feed into this process to the functionality of the tools that we use. The obligations can interact and sometimes compete so a clear approach to prioritising obligations is required. Ensuring Operational Security is the highest priority. Maximising Priority Dispatch is second priority, ahead of Efficient Operation of the SEM which is followed by Transparency - an over-arching obligation. Within EirGrid and SONI’s TSO licences there are explicit obligations which are particularly relevant for the scheduling and dispatch and therefore for an assurance process.

Opportunity closing date

29 January 2019

Value of contract

to be confirmed