Distribution network operator UK Power Networks’ Distribution System Operator (DSO) has delivered more than 11GWh of flexibility through its day-ahead market, marking a milestone for distribution-level services in Great Britain.
The company says the total was achieved across more than 500 daily auctions since the service launched in spring 2024, establishing it as a route to market for flexibility providers.
More than 95% of participating assets are low-carbon technologies, including electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps, and battery storage, reflecting the increasing role of flexibility in supporting grid resilience and decarbonisation targets.
The DSO also publishes daily flexibility dispatch data in an accessible format with API integration, allowing providers to incorporate the data into their own systems and improve visibility of network requirements.
Market growth and system coordination
The service is designed to operate in coordination with the national electricity system, enabling alignment between distribution and transmission-level flexibility markets.
This approach supports more efficient use of flexibility across both local and national networks, while enabling providers to respond to system needs at short notice.
Since its launch, the day-ahead market has scaled from an initial deployment into a more established mechanism, with UK Power Networks sharing its experience to support wider adoption across the sector.
Alex Howard, Head of Flexibility Markets at UK Power Networks, notes, “Reaching 11GWh through our day-ahead market is a major milestone.
“When we launched this service in 2024, it was the first of its kind in Great Britain. Today, it’s an established route to market supporting thousands of domestic and commercial low-carbon assets in UK Power Networks’ region.”
Michael Kenefick, Grid Services Manager at Ev.energy, adds, “UK Power Networks’ DSO’s day-ahead market has made it quicker and easier to engage EV drivers in local flexibility, enabling them to help the grid and be rewarded.”
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