National Grid has launched a consultation ahead of releasing its new balancing services strategy.

The announcement comes as the transmission system operator seeks to meet the rapidly evolving demands of an increasingly decentralised and flexible energy system.

National Grid’s current balancing services have been the target of complaints suggesting they’re are not accessible to all potential providers, are complicated, unclear and not future-proof.

Investors have said they need to have a better view of long-term plans so they can make informed decisions of their own.

The operator aims to improve the information it shares, to make it easier for industry to understand and help meet future system needs, as well as removing barriers and enabling the better use of all resources.

The main proposals include a new frequency response product to replace existing tenders in March 2018 and another to account for the value associated with resolving inertia in the energy system.

A new reserve power product is planned for release by 2019, as is a new reactive power market.

A restoration strategy for black start programmes will also be published later this summer – this is when power stations have to be restarted without using the transmission network.

The consultation will remain open until the 18th of July, 2017.

National Grid has announced the creation of a new dedicated Storage Working Group.