ENW seeks flexible services platform provider

Electricity North West (ENW) is seeking a technology provider to develop a flexible services platform.

The platform will support the flexible service process while helping to manage demand and reduce costs for customers.

The distribution network operator intends to use the platform to manage a range of flexible services, including demand response, distributed generation and energy storage connected to the company’s network that can increase exports or reduce imports when instructed.

ENW currently uses the Piclo Flex online marketplace for its flexibility services. A ENW spokesperson said the firm will continue to use the Piclo Flex service while the retendering process is carried out.

Lois Clark, ENW DSO commercial lead, said: “As we move towards a more sustainable future, the uptake of low carbon technologies like electric vehicles and heat pumps will continue to rise, ultimately resulting in a lot more demand being placed on our network.

“One way to prevent expensive network reinforcement costs from being passed on to customers is through the procurement of flexible services.”

Clark added: “Our goal is to find a platform that guarantees efficient spending of our customers’ money and adheres to the best practices of platform services.

“This will enable us to maintain a balance between supply and demand, lower the cost of electricity distribution, and contribute towards decarbonisation. At the same time, we want to ensure that our network remains robust, reliable, and responsive to the needs of customers.”

The network operator said that it is “seeking providers who can offer a platform that is simple to use, reliable and secure”.  The platform will also need to incorporate an application programming interface (API) option, allowing both Electricity North West and participants to input and receive data.