UK Power Networks’ Distribution System Operator (DSO) has announced that more than 100,000 live assets have been registered on its Localflex trading platform, totalling 2 GW of flexibility.
The assets, which range from electric vehicle smart chargers to domestic and commercial energy management systems, have been drawn from ongoing day-ahead flexibility markets and longer-term tenders. They cover a variety of renewable energy resources such as solar and wind farms.
UK Power Networks has credited the Localflex platform, run by EPEX SPOT, for helping to broaden participation, with its day-ahead market format allowing participants to bid closer to real-time.
According to the company, the 2023/24 period saw 7.8 GWh of flexibility dispatched, marking a seven-fold increase from the previous year and delivering £91 million in consumer benefits. UK Power Networks says this milestone supports the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, which aims to expand renewable electricity deployment and grow consumer-led flexibility five-fold.
“We have a responsibility to empower a diverse range of customers to contribute to our energy flexibility efforts,” said Alex Howard, Head of Flexibility Markets at UK Power Networks’ DSO.
“With the launch in April of the first day-ahead flexibility market and our transition to Localflex, we’re enabling consumers and businesses of all sizes to engage and deliver flexibility where it’s needed most. By making flexibility accessible to all, we are maximising value for our customers and enhancing the resilience of our electricity system.”
“UK Power Networks’ commitment to innovation in the flexibility market is driving meaningful change,” said Stuart Fenner, Director of Wholesale Market Services Commercial at EDF.
“By opening new opportunities for participation and streamlining processes, they are creating a more efficient and collaborative market. We’re proud to work with UK Power Networks to deliver value to customers and help Britain achieve Net Zero.”