The use of ElectronConnect will streamline the market entry process for Flexibility Service Providers (FSPs), and this three-year partnership will play a key role in the transition to net zero across our two operating regions in central southern England and the north of Scotland.
SSEN's DSO Acceleration Action Plan first identified the selection of a new Flexibility Market Platform during Spring 2024 as a key enabler for further growth - a forecast which led to the partnership with Electron being announced in May. They worked closely with stakeholders to gain the best-possible understanding of what they need from the platform running the distribution flexibility market. The feedback from those people and groups we work with informed the decision to select Electron's platform.
And over the past few months, an increasing number of new providers have been signing up with us to deliver flexibility services. This auction is open to the growing number of companies who have existing Overarching Agreement Contracts with us.
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Later in the year, we'll open the opportunity for new companies to take part in the process of signing Overarching Agreements.
SSEN's Flexibility Market Manager, Catherine Winning, said: "We're always looking for ways to raise our profile in the flex arena and reach new audiences, and so it's great to now be using the ElectronConnect platform, as this will expand our markets and see us run more auctions.
"Today has seen us 'kick off' the new season of a flex auctions, with the next one taking place early September, followed up by one each month all the way through autumn and winter. This is all exciting for us, as flexibility plays such a key role in enabling the transition to net zero in a cost-effective way – quickly and effectively maximising the capacity of our existing network.
"In addition, I'm looking forward to working with industry colleagues and the new Market Facilitator to ensure that Flexibility Services continue to evolve and keep on playing such an important part in our energy future."
Electron's Chief Commercial Officer Chris Broadhurst added: "The launch of the first live auctions on ElectronConnect for SSEN Distribution is a fantastic milestone. With 5GW of flexibility targeted by 2028, SSEN has a clear vision for flexibility at scale, and Electron is proud to be partnering with SSEN to help make this vision a reality.
"As a flexibility market platform provider, our job is to maximise the volume and value of flexibility - this means more markets, running more often, and in a more connected way. We're excited to work with SSEN and Flexibility Service Providers to drive this forward, together."
