The Energy Networks Association (ENA) has updated its common contract for flexibility procurement to increase transparency and unlock liquidity in local flexibility markets.
The standard contract was created through the Open Networks Project with input from distribution network operators (DNOs) and National Grid ESO, with an aim of providing a consistent GB-wide core agreement for those looking to provide flexibility to the networks. It was first announced in April 2020, with all of the DNOs offering the contract.
Key updates published today (1 March 2021) include simplifying the core contract, providing increased alignment with the ESO’s approach, making clauses more accessible across the agreement and making the process more accessible to aggregators.
The new contract has been developed with feedback from a range of industry stakeholders including Ofgem and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. There will be a public consultation on the next version of the common contract in August, with plans to launch at the end of the year. Its associated contractual evolution report will be launched later this month.
Farina Farrier, head of the Open Networks Project at the ENA, praised the UK as a “world leader when it comes to energy flexibility”, adding that as part of the country’s commitment to net zero “the whole of the energy industry is behind making it easier and more accessible to work with network operators”.
“We’ve got lots of work ahead of us but by really focusing on providing a consistent, accessible way of working together, we can maintain that world-leading position and power towards net zero emissions.”