ENA launches flexibility measurement tool

A new tool allowing companies to measure how much flexibility they have delivered to distribution network operators (DNOs) has been launched nationwide by the Energy Networks Association (ENA).

The flexibility baseline verification tool was developed over two years through the Transition project led by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution in collaboration with the ENA’s Open Networks programme and specialist energy consultancy TNEI.

It will allow flexibility providers to explore and determine their baseline calculations for participating in flexibility markets, which SSEN said is required to allow “ongoing understanding and verification” of the volume of flexibility services provided.

SSEN said the new tool will create a standard and consistent decision-making process across all DNOs, meaning flexibility providers will know exactly what criteria will be used to assess their delivery wherever they are in the country. The DNO said this will improve transparency, increase participation and make flexibility markets more competitive. There will be greater confidence in the delivery of flexibility services, whilst visibility over potential earnings will be “consistent and easier to assess”.

Melanie Bryce, SSEN Oxfordshire projects director, said: “Our work engaging with service providers through the overarching LEO (Local Energy Oxfordshire) project has emphasised the need for an aligned and standardised approach to flexibility markets and the tools that support them.

“Transition’s collaboration with Open Networks has allowed us to bring together expertise from across the country to ensure the benefits of this common tool are realised by all potential users.”

Farina Farrier, head of Open Networks at the ENA, said: “Since it’s conception in 2017, Open Networks has followed a learn-by-doing approach and is open with the way we work and the outputs we publish.

“The launch of this tool – working alongside the Ofgem innovation-funded Transition project – demonstrates another step forward in this vital industry collaboration to help us deliver practical outcomes.

“Opening local markets for flexibility services remains a major focus of the programme, as a smarter, more flexible energy system is fundamental to reaching the government’s decarbonisation goals – starting with delivering a common framework for flexibility by March 2023.”