ENQEIR983 FASS Credit Management Services

This notice does not commence a competitive tendering process. For the detailed requirements and relevant documentation, please see the Call for Competition, published on OJEU ref 6868206 www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/cft/viewTenders.do ↗

EirGrid and SONI are currently developing the Future Arrangements of System Services (FASS) which includes the development and implementation of a new set of arrangements to replace the existing System Services procurement mechanism (DS3 System Services (DS3)). The existing DS3 arrangements were designed to meet the 2020 renewable targets of 40% RES-E and are not sufficient for Ireland and Northern Ireland to achieve targets of 80% renewable generation by 2030. The new set of arrangements aim to drive investment in an efficient manner to ensure the all-island power system can continue to be operated safely and securely.

In April 2022 the SEM Committee (SEMC) published its High-Level Design for the SSFA as set out in SEM-22-012. EirGrid and SONI, in their respective capacities as Transmission System Operator in Ireland and Northern Ireland respectively are supporting the SEMC in the development of its High-Level Design (HLD) into an implementable solution.

The Regulatory Authorities (RAs) have requested the TSOs to implement these arrangements to achieve the RES-E targets and to ensure compliance with the relevant aspects of European legislation such as the European Balancing Guidelines (EBGL) and the Clean Energy Package. On 8th December 2023, the SEMC released a decision paper on the Detailed Design and Implementation of Future Arrangements of System Services (SEM-23-103).

As set out in the decision paper, the RAs have proposed to proceed with the Day Ahead System Services Auction (DASSA). The decision paper sets out a number of workstreams for the TSOs to commence, which includes a secondary market via a central platform where market participants can bilaterally trade their DASSA positions on a half hourly basis. The DASSA is scheduled to go live from May 2027.

Elements of the DASSA design require collateral coverage to manage credit risk to the TSOs. These elements include but are not limited to secondary trading, any performance related payments due to the TSOs (e.g. DASSA compensation payments) and resettlement. The TSOs require a third-party provider to assume the credit risk for these FASS Collateral Arrangements and host the requirements outlined in the scope of requirements section below.

The Opportunity

EirGrid plc intends to establish a single supplier framework. The supplier will assume and manage credit risk for the FASS Collateral Arrangements on behalf of EirGrid plc and SONI Limited.

The Framework Agreement will encompass further credit management related services agreed during negotiations.

EirGrid plc is acting as lead contracting authority and its group company, SONI Limited will benefit from services under the Framework. As such and in compliance with SONI Limited’s obligations under the Procurement Act 2023 (the “Act”), this notice is published to advertise the opportunity but does not commence a competitive tendering procedure for the purposes of the Act. The procurement remains governed by Council Directive 2014/25/EU as transposed into Irish law by the European Union Award of Contracts by Utility Undertakings) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 286 of 2016) (the “Regulations”), will be run in compliance with those Regulations, pursuant to OJEU Notice ref: 6868206, but will also be managed in compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 in so far as possible, to discharge SONI Limited’s obligations under the Act.