GridHz

Documentation

Everything you need to know about using GridHz for real-time power system monitoring.

Open the live dashboard →

#FAQ

Common questions about GridHz.

How often is data refreshed?
Refresh rates depend on the data source. Most transmission metrics update every 30–60 seconds. Distribution data may update less frequently depending on individual DNO portal schedules.
What regions are covered?
GridHz covers Great Britain in full detail — England, Scotland, and Wales across all 14 DNO licence areas. Via the country selector you can also monitor Continental Europe (Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark), the Nordic synchronous area (Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark), Ireland, and ERCOT (Texas) — the first supported 60 Hz system, using US EIA data.
Can I export data?
CSV and JSON data export is available from the dashboard on the Analyst tier. Use the export button to download the current snapshot or 24-hour history as CSV or JSON.
How do alerts work?
You set a metric, direction (above/below), and threshold value. When the live data crosses your threshold, a browser notification is triggered. The dashboard must be open in a browser tab for alerts to fire.
What is the difference between Transmission and Distribution views?
Transmission shows system-wide metrics (frequency, inertia, generation mix, demand, prices) from the high-voltage network. Distribution shows local network data (embedded generation, faults, headroom) from the 14 DNO areas. The "All" view combines both.
Is the data real-time?
Data is near-real-time. Transmission metrics typically have a latency of 15–60 seconds depending on the source. Distribution data may have longer delays as it depends on individual DNO portal update frequencies.
What does an Electricity Margin Notice (EMN) mean?
An EMN is an official NESO notice that the forecast operating margin for a coming period is below the required level. It is a routine request for the market to make more capacity available — not a blackout warning. Most EMNs are cancelled once generators and imports respond. You can watch the underlying de-rated margin in the System Margin panel, and any active notices appear in the System Warnings panel and alerts bar.
How do I get in touch?
For questions, feedback, or support, email us at [email protected]. We typically respond within 24 hours.

#Getting Started

GridHz is a real-time power system monitoring dashboard for Great Britain. It provides live visibility into grid frequency, generation mix, system inertia, carbon intensity, and distribution network status — all in one place.

Whether you are a power systems researcher, energy trader, grid engineer, or simply curious about how the GB electricity system operates, GridHz gives you the data you need at a glance.

Quick start

  1. Open the dashboard — data loads automatically.
  2. Use the view mode toggle in the header to switch between Transmission, Distribution, or All views.
  3. Drag and resize panels to customise your workspace — your layout is saved automatically.
  4. Set up threshold alerts to get notified when key metrics cross your chosen boundaries.

#Dashboard Overview

View modes

The dashboard has three view modes, selectable from the toggle in the header:

  • Transmission — system-level metrics: frequency, inertia, generation mix, demand, wholesale prices, and interconnector flows.
  • Distribution — local network data: embedded generation, live faults, and substation headroom across all 14 GB licence areas.
  • All — both views combined.

Draggable panels

Floating panels (such as the scenario panel) can be repositioned and resized by dragging, and the forecast panel docked below the map can be expanded by dragging its top edge. Your layout persists in your browser, so you will see your customised arrangement each time you return.

Sidebar & floating panels

The left sidebar provides quick access to key sections and metric summaries. Floating panels overlay the map and can be collapsed or expanded independently.

#Map & Situational Awareness

The situational awareness map provides a geographic view of the GB power system, overlaying multiple data layers on an interactive map.

Layers

  • Transmission infrastructure — power plants, transmission lines, major substations, and interconnector landing points.
  • DNO boundaries — outlines of the 14 distribution licence areas.
  • Fault markers — live distribution faults plotted at their reported locations.
  • Headroom heatmap — available substation capacity, colour-coded RAG (see Distribution metrics).
  • Labels & legend — toggleable map annotations.

Interaction

Click on any marker or region to see detailed data in a popup. Zoom and pan to focus on specific areas. Layer visibility can be toggled from the map controls.