Today sees the launch of a new code of conduct, designed to protect homes and small businesses dipping their toes in the flexibility market, buying and selling power to help manage supply and demand on Britain’s grids.
Flex Assure, independent gatekeepers to the new market, has created its HOMEflex Code of Conduct (Household or Microbusiness Energy flexibility), under the leadership of Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), with funding from the Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) entity overseen by Ofgem.
Aiming to boost small players’ trust and engagement in flexibility services, HOMEflex defines common standards of practice for companies delivering energy flexibility services, with good practice and accountability as its goals. Increased communication between flexibility aggregators and consumers are mid-term goals, probably to be reinforced with the creation of a compliance scheme.
As the UK continues its transition to a cleaner, more modern energy system, essential changes must be made to make it smarter, more responsive, and flexible; the launch of the HOMEflex Code is a critical step in this transition.
Research by the Centre for Sustainable Energy underpins the HOMEflex. The Bristol-based CSE found domestic and microbusiness customers are calling for improved industry standards, as well as better adherence to them.
HOMEflex aims to deliver these this by setting common standards of practice for flex market participants. Top of its wish list is ensuring service providers act with accountability, as they allow the sector to realise the full potential of domestic demand side response.
The 160-member Association of Decentralised Energy is backing HOMEflex.
Natasha Mills, the HOMEflex scheme’s administrator at Flex Assure said: ‘With the publication of this code of conduct, we hope to increase consumer confidence in energy flexibility services, with the aim of encouraging participation.
‘Government policy is clear at showing the importance that domestic flexibility will have in reaching Net Zero in a secure and cost-effective way, but without a focus on consumer trust and inclusion, this reality will not be achieved’.
From SSEN, its innovation project manager Simon O’Loughlin, declared: “Energy flexibility is a critical part of the transition to Net Zero and forms a core part of SSEN Distribution’s plans.
“It is vitally important to us that we enable all our customers to benefit from the rewards flexibility can bring. During the transition to low carbon and Net Zero, projects such as HOMEflex are levelling the playing field and creating a fairer energy future for everyone. This will support our flexibility product road map and purchasing of flexibility”.
HOMEflex’s full text is here. A launch event in London this Wednesday, 11 October will feature speakers from its key stakeholders. For any further comments please contact external.affairs@theade.co.uk.
