National Grid’s Distribution System Operator (DSO) is launching a new innovative flexibility service designed to strengthen network resilience during severe weather events by encouraging customers to shift electricity use ahead of forecast storms.
The new service, Responder, is a resilience-focused use case, enabling National Grid DSO to access flexible demand turn-up (DTU) across its entire licence area ahead of storm events. Building on a previous trial “StormFlex” by SP Energy Networks, this is the first time a DSO is procuring flexibility at scale across its whole network, rather than in specific Constraint Management Zones (CMZs).
During storms, damage to the network may require alternative operating arrangements to maintain supplies. While essential, these can place additional strain on otherwise healthy assets. Responder helps reduce this risk by lowering demand during critical periods.
Through the service, customers and flexibility providers will be asked to bring forward electricity use into earlier time windows ahead of forecast events. This could include charging electric vehicles, pre-heating homes, running appliances, or completing industrial processes before a storm arrives.
By shifting demand away from high-risk periods, Responder helps reduce stress on the network when resilience is most critical. It also supports customers in preparing for potential power interruptions by ensuring key equipment, vehicles, and energy storage are ready for use.
Responder builds on the DSO’s existing Operational Utilisation (OU) product, helping minimise complexity for providers while unlocking new opportunities to use flexibility to support network resilience. It will also provide valuable insight into how flexibility could be used to support resilience objectives in future regulatory periods, helping shape the next generation of network operations during extreme weather events.
National Grid DSO plan to procure the service in summer 2026, with delivery running from September 2026 to March 2027.
Cathy McClay, Managing Director at National DSO, said, “Responder is an exciting step forward in the evolution of flexibility services and will help us better understand how flexibility can support both customers and system operators in preparing for extreme weather events.
“We’re aiming to create a strong and attractive opportunity for flexibility providers, helping to grow participation and unlock more value from flexibility.”
