No.51/2008 Improved balance and frequency control of the Nordic power system

Nord Pool Spot has received the following message from the Nordic Transmission System Operators (TSOs):

In accordance with its strategic action plan, Nordel is planning to implement a package of actions in order to improve the balance and frequency control of the synchronous Nordic power system which are necessary to support a secure operation of the power system and efficient market coupling between the Nordic and other European regions.

Better operations planning will be implemented. This implies a second level of plans (quarterly operating plans) which detail the physical operation of the power system within the operating hour in order to reduce the inherent imbalances of the current hourly plans.

A set of new balancing tools will be implemented. This set of tools shall offset the imbalances which remain during the operating hour even if good operating plans are prepared and increase the automatic reserves to provide a quicker and more optimal use of reserves compared to manual control.

Nordel starts detailed planning of the actions and consultation with relevant market participants. The package of actions with preliminary time schedule is more closely described in a presentation and a report at www.nordel.org.

Lysaker, 6 August 2008

For further information, please contact the TSOs:

Bjørn Rydell, Svenska Kraftnät, phone +46 8 7397767

Gunnar Nilssen, Statnett, phone +47 2252 7422

Jyrki Uusitalo, Fingrid, phone +358 30 395 5181

Ole Jan Olesen, Energinet.dk, phone +45 4487 3911