During the past few months there continued to be high control energy sales. However, as the account used for commercial balancing of the control energy market is still clearly in the red, NCG considers the increased control energy levy to be absolutely necessary in order to eliminate this negative balance as quickly as possible for the benefit of all customers. Another reason for doing so is that, in the light of last year's experience, there are again likely to be considerable control energy purchases in the coming winter season.
Under the existing regulatory regime, NCG is responsible as balancing group network operator for the procurement of control energy. As part of this function it reviews the amount of the levy every six months and adjusts it if necessary. The next review will take place in the spring of 2011.