Western Power Distribution (WPD) has launched a tender for 344MW of flexibility – the largest to date for a distribution network operator in Britain.
The tender covers 175 primary substations across 42 constraint management zones, representing one fifth of its entire network. The services are required for 2021/22.
Network strategy manager Ben Godfrey said: “Our fifth and largest procurement round delivers on our commitment to open our RIIO ED1 load related reinforcement requirements up to the market.
“The move to a decarbonised energy system is changing the way we plan and operate our network. Having flexibility in these areas is crucial in enabling us to optimise investment and respond quickly to uncertainty.”
Flexibility providers will be able to bid through Piclo, Cornwall Local Energy Market or WPD’s own Flexible Power platform.
An invitation to tender will issued to all parties that have registered an interest on 3 February. The deadline for submission is 13 March and the results will be announced on 1 April.