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Market Entry

Do I have to become a BSC Party?

Most Suppliers, Generators, and Licensed Distribution System Operators (LDSOs) may have to become a BSC Party because it is a condition within their Ofgem licence. Other companies wishing to trade within the BSC arrangements may also have to do so.

Where do I start?

  • If you are new to the industry we strongly recommend you read Beginners Guide to the Electricity Arrangements.
  • The next step is to establish the type of BSC Party you intend to become (e.g. Supplier, Generator, Trader). You will find the description of each Party role in our Market Role Guide.
  • The Market Entry team  is happy to have an initial meeting to discuss and understand your requirements. To arrange a meeting, please complete the Market Entry Meeting Request Form.
  • Market Entry process diagrams – the market entry process diagrams take you through the requirements for applying to individual Party roles. Each of the diagrams below link you to the relevant forms and documents you will need to enter the market.
  1. Generator
  2. Interconnector User
  3. Non-Physical Trader
  4. Supplier

What support can ELEXON offer me?

We ensure  that our market entry processes do not create a barrier to Parties entering the market and provide new entrants with detailed guidance on the entry requirements. In addition, we also offer the following services:

  • initial market entry meeting (chargeable for some companies)
  • BSC Service Desk 24 hour support.

If you are interested in booking a market entry meeting please complete and submit the Market Entry Meeting Request Form.

Market Entry FAQs

  • How long does the Market Entry process take? 

This depends on your market role, it can take as little as two months for a Non-Physical Trader and up to a year for a Supplier. The timelines will be discussed with you in the early stages of your registration.  For further information on the relevant processes, please refer to the market entry process diagrams.                                                                                                                                         

  • What are the costs associated with being a BSC Party?

Parties acceding to the BSC must pay a £500 accession fee which covers the administrative costs of entering the market. To become a BSC Party, an additional £250 + VAT monthly fee applies which is known as a base monthly charge. More information on BSC costs can be found on our BSC Costs and Charges page.

  • What are the Central Volume Allocation (CVA) system requirements?

Parties & Party Agents’ CVA system must be able to communicate with the CVA BSC Agent systems. This system is tested during the CVA Qualification process.  For more information on the system requirements please refer to our New Participant’s Guide to CVA Qualification and the Communication Requirements Document or contact the BSC Service Desk at bscservicedesk@cgi.com or call 0870 010 6950.

  • Are there any costs associated with the Low Grade and High Grade services?

The Low Grade service is free to all BSC Parties, however there are costs associated with the High Grade service but they are dependent on the type of service you require. The Schedule of Specified Communication Charges includes full details of the charges.

  • Do I need to lodge collateral (Credit Cover) with ELEXON?

Charges are made to Parties (or by them) as a result of any imbalance (Trading Charges) 29 days after a Settlement Day. Credit Cover ensures that we have enough collateral from you to cover these payments and subsequently all other Trading Parties if you cannot make them. We do not specify the amount of Credit Cover you must lodge; it is up to the Party to decide. Parties usually make this decision based on their trading characteristics. For more information on Credit Cover please refer to the Overview of Credit Cover  or email credit-default@elexon.co.uk.

Additional FAQS can be found on our Market Entry knowledgebase page.

Supplier Volume Allocation (SVA) Qualification and re-qualification

If you wish to operate in any of the roles mentioned below, you will have to undergo SVA Qualification as part of your Market Entry steps.

Roles for SVA Qualification:

  •  Supplier
  • Data Collector
  • Data Aggregator
  • Meter Operator
  • Meter Administrator
  • Unmetered Supplies Operator
  • Supplier Meter Registration Agent.

You will find more information on our SVA Qualification page.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

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