15 Aug 2023

Great Britain reaches new record in contracted flexibility

Electricity network companies tendered a record 4.6GW of capacity on Great Britain’s local flexibility markets last year, with 2GW contracted.

The latest figures from Energy Networks Association (ENA) show that more than 70% of the contracted flexibility is made up of low-carbon technologies, such as stored energy, solar and biofuel. It is also the highest amount of flexibility tendered in Great Britain.

The figures come in the sixth year of ENA’s Open Networks programme and shortly after Ofgem noted progress and confirmed it would continue to support the programme as it accelerates.

ENA is also launching a new Success Framework to give market participants greater visibility of when each network company implements the Open Networks programme’s recommendations. A new benchmarking system, launched today, will provide greater transparency and highlight progress.

Local flexibility services are an important component of the UK’s net zero transition - by releasing power back to the grid at times of high demand, and storing it during times of lower demand, local flexibility services unlock additional capacity and support the connection of more low-carbon technology like wind power.

Dr Avi Aithal, Head of Open Networks at ENA, said:

“The statistics we’ve released today show just how far flexibility has come. We believe these figures make Great Britain one of the biggest flexibility markets in the world. But today’s success is history tomorrow, so we need to keep pushing on and maximising flexibility across the networks.

“The government’s and Ofgem’s support for the programme has been invaluable and we look forward to continuing to work closely with them. It’s been a tremendously exciting time for the scheme as we have been focused on making flexibility accessible to everyone in the UK, which is vital to helping the UK meet our net zero goals at the least cost to customers.”

Contact Information

Philip Baker
Media Relations Manager
press@energynetworks.org

Notes to editors

Today ENA published the latest flexibility data and details of the 2023 Success Criteria Framework
You can also read the Open Networks 2023 launch document and detailed work plan
The government’s and Ofgem’s Smart Systems and Flexibility Plan (2021), sets out that flexibility could save consumers £10bn per year in energy costs by 2050 and reduce the total cost of the net zero transition by up to £70bn.
As part of the Flexibility Commitment, Britain’s distribution network operators, and Open Networks remain committed to six key steps as we transition to a more efficient, smarter and low-carbon energy system fit for Britain’s future. These are:
Champion a level playing field
Ensure visibility and accessibility
Conduct procurement in an open and transparent manner
Provide clarity on the dispatch of services
Provide regular, consistent and transparent reporting
Work together towards whole energy system outcomes

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About Energy Networks Association

Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the industry body representing the energy networks. Our members include every major electricity network operator in the UK. The electricity networks are at the heart of the energy transition. They directly employ more than 26,000 people in the UK, including 1,500 apprentices. They are spending and investing £33bn in our electricity grids over the coming years, to ensure safe, reliable and secure energy supplies for the millions of homes and businesses reliant on power every day.