Deadlines for three distribution network operators’ flexibility procurement programmes close in the next few weeks.
James Johnston, head of the Piclo local flexibility platform being used by all DNOs, urged companies aiming to provide flexibility services to upload details of their assets to the Piclo site.
To qualify for UK Power Networks‘ 2019 HV Flexibility Services competitions, the deadline to upload assets to the platform is 19 February (details here). UKPN has indicated it could require more than 200MW of demand-side response to defer load related reinforcement over the next four years.
Meanwhile, those planning to participate in Western Power Distribution‘s tenders for flex in Rugely, South Hams and the South West need to upload asset details to the Piclo platform by midday 31 January. See details here.
To provide power to help Northern Powergrid balance its network next winter, details of flexible assets need to be uploaded to the Piclo platform by midday 25 February. The DNO seeks up to 12.5MW across postcodes in Sheffield, Bridlington, Newcastle, Goole, Scunthorpe, Hull, Dewsbury, York and Huddersfield (details here).
In it to win it
While the network operators currently have very specific location requirements to help balance local grids, the shift towards distribution system operator (DSO) models means that more and more flexibility will likely be required in more postcodes in the next few years.
By uploading assets onto the Piclo platform, DSR providers are therefore in position to bid for contracts with network operators as they broaden procurement of flexibility services.
Ramp up
While 2018 was about “building momentum”, Johnston suggested 2019 could mark a turning point for DNO/DSO flex delivery.
“In the past six months, our DSO trial partners have collectively published 60 local flexibility opportunities on Piclo Flex. In the past three months we’ve signed up over 100 flex providers who want to take part in these local markets. Now, as we start 2019 – the focus turns to converting this momentum into real value for the UK energy system.
“Over the coming months, we hope to prove that local flexibility transactions will not only benefit energy consumers through lower bills, but help make a greener grid and provide new revenue sources for local energy innovators.”
Related stories:
Free 2018 demand-side response report
All DNOs commit to considering flexibility over network reinforcement
Northern Powergrid launches DSR tender
WPD extends Midlands and South West DSR call until 21 December
DNO flex procurement: The learning so far from UKPN and WPD
Aggregators: Upload your data to grow DNO flexibility markets
UKPN eyes 200MW of demand-side response, details new tenders
WPD to launch flexibility tenders across all networks in 2019
SPEN joins Piclo flex platform
Electricity North West signs up to Piclo platform, plans 36MW DSR tender
UK Power Networks partners with Open Utility on flex trial
SSEN to trial Open Utilities flex procurement platform
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