BSC Section A: Parties and Participation

Page type: primary-anchored (mirrors BSC Section A, Elexon)

Last updated: 5 April 2026

Parent page: Balancing and Settlement Code

Section A defines who can be a BSC Party, how they join and leave, what information they must provide, and how they register in the Central Registration System.

1. General

1.1 Introduction

Sets out the scope: participation capacities, admission arrangements, party details requirements, CRA registration, and withdrawal/expulsion provisions. (A1.1.1)

1.2 Parties

A "Party" is any person bound by the Code through a signed Framework Agreement. This includes BSCCo, the BSC Clearer, NETSO, holders of electricity licences or exemptions, and voluntary participants. (A1.2)

1.3 Participation Capacities

Eight defined capacities that a Party may hold (A1.3):

1. NETSO (National Electricity Transmission System Operator)
2. Distribution System Operator (DSO)
3. Trading Party
4. Interconnector Error Administrator
5. Interconnector Administrator
6. Supplier
7. Virtual Lead Party (for aggregation and flexibility)
8. Virtual Trading Party

1.4 Energy Accounts

Trading Parties must hold Production and Consumption Energy Accounts. Limited to one of each per party with limited exceptions. (A1.4)

1.4A Virtual Balancing Accounts

Virtual Lead Parties holding only this capacity must maintain one Virtual Balancing Account. A party cannot simultaneously hold both virtual balancing and energy accounts. (A1.4A)

2. Accession

2.1 Admission

Any person may apply to become a Party, except current BSC Agents. (A2.1)

2.2 Accession Procedure

Requirements: completed application form, undertaking to comply with the Code, and application fee. BSCCo checks completeness, notifies stakeholders, and prepares the Accession Agreement. The applicant must also comply with IPR Litigation Requirements (A2.2.5). (A2.2)

2.3 Disputes as to Admission

If a dispute arises about whether a person should be admitted, the Authority determines the matter. NETSO may execute agreements if BSCCo fails to comply. (A2.3)

2.4 Accession

Party status becomes effective on the date of the Accession Agreement. Registration errors or omissions do not affect compliance obligations. (A2.4)

2.5 Application Fee

Set by the Panel; must not exceed reasonable processing costs. Non-refundable. (A2.5)

2.6 Withdrawal of Non-Trading Parties

Automatic removal after six months of inactivity, unless the party has taken steps such as registering metering systems or BM Units, submitting energy notifications, or making interconnector appointments. (A2.6)

2.7 Novation Procedure

Allows one party to replace another. Requires Panel approval, granted at absolute discretion. Non-refundable novation fee. (A2.7)

3. Party Details and Information

3.1 Party Details

Encompasses: name, contacts, notice recipients, service-of-process details, licence/exemption information, participation capacities with dates, supporting documentation, Pool Member history, affiliate identities, and VAT registration. (A3.1)

3.2 Provision of Party Details

Parties must provide and maintain accurate details. They must notify BSCCo of changes in contacts, capacities, and licence/exemption circumstances. (A3.2)

3.3 Role of BSCCo

BSCCo validates participation capacities using available information from NETSO, DSOs, and Interconnector Administrators. Maintains a public list on the BSC Website. Parties may refer validation disputes to the Panel. (A3.3)

4. Party Registration

4.1 Registration Requirements

Parties must register in the Central Registration System (CRS) before registering metering systems, BM Units, or Party Agents. Applicants may apply before accession but registration only becomes effective once they have party status. Registration requires compliance with Sections O3.1-O3.2. (A4.1)

4.2 Party Registration Data

Comprises: name, contacts, participation capacities with dates, Energy Account holdings, Interconnector administrator appointments, and Virtual Balancing Account status. (A4.2)

4.3 Initial Registration in CRS

Party submits registration data to CRA per BSCP65. CRA seeks BSCCo confirmation of party status and details consistency. CRA registers upon confirmation. (A4.3)

5. Withdrawal and Expulsion

Covers voluntary withdrawal procedures, discontinuing party provisions, and party release mechanics. (A5)

Cross-references