Northern Powergrid has agreed a two-year contract with Piclo to procure flexibility services on the Piclo Flex marketplace.
It means four DNOs – UK Power Networks, Electricity North West (ENW), SP Energy Networks and Northern Powergrid – are now using the Piclo Flex marketplace, as well as the ESO.
Northern Powergrid said it will be utilising the Markets module on Piclo Flex to procure flexibility services and run competitions and bidding for long-term contracts from the end of August, in North East, Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. In addition, the DNO will be working with Piclo’s engagement and customer success teams to build a network of flexibility service providers (FSPs).
Northern Powergrid will be running competitions for flexibility services for delivery starting in 2024, and also seeking expression of interest in providing flexibility services at more locations for 2027 or later.
Piclo has been developing its marketplace’s end-to-end functionality since 2019. To date, Piclo Flex has a registered capacity of 1.1GW of flexibility from more than 400 FSPs which is used to plug additional capacity back into the grid during times of constraint.
Maurice Lynch, Northern Powergrid head of system flexibility, said: “Flexibility services are a way of efficiently managing network utilisation and reinforcement, which means we can get the best value out of the existing network, maximising cost efficiency for all customers.
“Our partnership with Piclo is an exciting step on this journey, allowing us to work more effectively with Flexibility Service Providers, and them to earn additional income in the process. It’s a win-win for everyone and we look forward to seeing the impact it will have for us, our partners, and our customers”.
James Johnston, CEO at Piclo, added: “This collaboration marks an exciting milestone for Piclo, and we look forward to working closely with Northern Powergrid to achieve shared success and strive towards our goal of fully decarbonising the grid.”