National Grid Electricity Distribution has recently announced the expansion of its energy flexibility operations to encompass an additional 1,426 sites within its low voltage (LV) distribution network, targeting the winter season of 2024/25.
The distribution network operator says that its move to expand its energy flexibility operation will increase capacity for new connections and potentially avoid the need for over £60 million in network operations.
Over 1,200 domestic households, contracted through various aggregators and suppliers, are already participating in energy flexibility initiatives for the current winter. This effort assists the grid during periods of high energy demand.
Suppliers and aggregators interested in participating in these initiatives are invited to register via National Grid’s Market Gateway platform.
The expansion is part of National Grid’s commitment to adapt its network for a sustainable future. The initiative, LV Sustain, invites domestic customers to reduce their energy usage during specific four-hour windows on weekdays. In return, participants receive benefits such as savings on their energy bills, offered through their energy providers or aggregators.
LV Sustain is designed to provide a straightforward, consistent flexibility contract, making it easier for a broad range of customers to participate. With this expansion, approximately 176,000 customers across National Grid’s LV network now have the opportunity to engage in flexibility services.
Helen Sawdon, Flexibility Commercial Manager at National Grid, commented on the initiative, “LV Sustain is enhancing the accessibility of distribution network flexibility for numerous customers. Our approach is simplifying participation and generating benefits for households, suppliers, aggregators, and National Grid alike. With this latest extension, our flexibility services now reach 176,000 customers across our network.”
LV Sustain aims to explore how flexibility can be effectively utilised in diverse local scenarios, especially as the network prepares for the increase in assets anticipated with the net zero transition.
Network flexibility is said to be crucial for National Grid to manage peak time demand, offsetting the increased consumption from other customers. This approach reduces the necessity for substantial infrastructure upgrades, which, in turn, helps maintain lower energy costs for consumers in the short term and facilitates more connections to the network.
According to National Grid estimates, the new flexibility options could postpone over £60 million in network reinforcement expenses. While consumers would also benefit, as they would receive reduced energy bills for taking part in the flexibility scheme.
Building on the previous year’s achievements, National Grid is actively seeking involvement from suppliers and aggregators for this initiative. The registration period commenced on Monday, January 15th, and will remain open for six weeks. Interested parties can sign up through the Market Gateway platform.
In addition, National Grid has entered a strategic partnership with the flexibility market platform Piclo. This collaboration enables service providers on the Piclo platform to easily access and partake in National Grid’s flexibility market opportunities. The application window for this initiative will close on Friday, February 23rd.
