Four of the distribution network operators (DNOs) in Great Britain will from now on operate all of their flexibility tenders through a single, joint website.
The Flexible Power website, which was already in use after being developed by Western Power Distribution (WPD) as part of an innovation project, allows flexibility providers to view the locations of networks constraints, the associated requirements, procurement notices and documentation.
A revamped version will now also be used by SP Energy Networks, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks and Northern Powergrid to post their tenders.
Once contracted, providers will be given access to the joint Flexible Power Portal where they will be able to declare their assets’ availability, receive dispatch signals and view performance and settlement reports. The DNOs plan to further develop the portal to allow it to communicate with other flexibility platforms and widen the options for providers.
WPD operations director Graham Halladay said: “This marks a huge step forward towards convergence within distribution system operations and should simplify the journey for flexibility service providers. I hope to see the increased coverage of regions using Flexible Power open up many more opportunities to our existing providers.
“WPD initially created and trialled Flexible Power with funding from Ofgem’s Network Innovation Allowance incentive and I’m incredibly proud to see the value of this funding increase through the adoption of Flexible Power by other UK DNOs.”
Graham Campbell, head of distribution system operation at SP Energy Networks, said: “The flexibility market across the UK continues to develop at pace and is pivotal to the cleaner, greener future. We know that in any emerging market, it can be tough to navigate through the challenges, so that’s why I’m delighted to join forces with the other UK DNOs to launch Flexible Power to help streamline the process for providers.
“This new ‘one stop shop’ will lower the barriers for market participants and help more providers take part by giving them easy access to consistent information on DNO flexibility needs across the UK from one platform.”
Northern Powergrid head of policy development Jim Cardwell said: “The collaborative use of the Flexible Power system delivers for customers who’ve been asking for greater unification across DNOs.
“This is an industry first and a fundamental step change in how network businesses will operate flexibility. It will offer customers with assets connected across multiple networks a much simpler and single interface and this will help accelerate the roll out of flexibility across the entire UK energy system.”
A spokesperson for WPD said there are currently no plans for the other two DNOs – UK Power Networks and Electricity North West – to join the website, although “the door remains open”.