A new tool designed to help flexibility providers better measure how much flexibility they have delivered to distribution network operators (DNOs) has been launched.
Designed by the Energy Networks Association’s (ENA) Open Networks programme alongside the TRANSITION project led by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution, the tool has been developed by specialist energy consultancy TNEI.
It has been created to make the process more clear, common and accurate, with it to be used by flexibility providers to explore and determine their baseline calculations for participating in flexibility markets.
A baseline is required to allow ongoing understanding and verification of the volume of flexibility services provided, the ENA said.
The tool enables a standard and consistent decision-making process across all DNOs, meaning that those wishing to provide flexibility services to the networks know exactly what criteria will be used to assess their deliver regardless of location.
Additionally, it creates more competitive outcomes through a more accountable and transparent approach, the ENA said, while increasing participation as by removing barriers and developing a clear and adoptable common approach it will be easier for providers to engage with flexibility services.
The ENA said it will also increase stakeholder confidence as delivery into the distribution flexibility market and visibility of any potential earnings will be consistent and easier to assess.
It will also improve transparency, with DNOs and flexibility providers being able to better validate how much flexibility is being provided.
Farina Farrier, head of Open Networks at Energy Networks Association said: “Opening local markets for flexibility services remains a major focus of the [Open Networks] programme, as a smarter, more flexible energy system is fundamental to reaching the government’s decarbonisation goals – starting with delivering a common framework for flexibility by March 2023.”
Indeed, this is a key focus of the Open Networks programme over the next year, along with further developing a standard methodology for DNOs and delivering key actions from the government’s 2021 Smart Systems and Flexibility Plan.
