As our energy system becomes increasingly decentralised, the data from distributed energy resources (DERs) is becoming a crucial asset for building a smarter, more adaptive electricity grid.
Paul George, DSO Commercial Lead at SP Electricity North West, recently shared in a joint webinar with Electron how the distribution system operator (DSO) is harnessing flexibility service provider (FSP) data to reshape how it plans, operates, and invests in the network.
The results show how DERs are helping reveal what was once invisible – and unlocking more efficient ways to manage the electricity grid.
Making the invisible visible
Traditionally, much of the grid, especially at lower voltage levels, operated with limited visibility. DERs added complexity without necessarily adding clarity – but that’s changing.
“Through a market platform, we have better visibility over the assets we can leverage and pull into the mix to help us manage the network,” says Paul. “It’s not just thinking about the assets that we control and operate. It’s thinking about those third-party assets that would ordinarily or traditionally not be visible to us.”
By tapping into data from third-party flexibility providers through ElectronConnect, SP Electricity North West is gaining a much clearer picture of where these resources are located and how they can be used.
Rethinking constraint management
This newfound DER visibility can also help with understanding their real-time potential. DER data is helping SP Electricity North West identify previously hidden resources, which can be called upon to support the grid, especially in times of peak demand or constraint.
With detailed information about where flexibility exists, the utility can now map flexible resources to specific constraint areas.
This enables a more dynamic, two-way management approach where even assets at lower voltage levels can support needs higher up in the network.
“Whatever you’re doing at a local level is a microcosm of what’s happening across the national level as well,” shares Paul.
“This data showing asset participation in flex markets, where those assets are, what type of assets are connected, is really helping us with network planning.”
This responsiveness is key in an environment where power no longer flows in a single direction – from generation to consumption – but in multiple directions across a network of connected assets.
Smarter decisions and better-targeted investments
Alongside the use of DERs as grid assets, the network itself will always need investment. This data visibility therefore delivers secondary value. It helps ensure that when investments are made, they’re made in the right places. The goal is to spend smarter.
“We can’t always build new assets on the networks and new infrastructure,” says Paul. “We’re trying to be very creative, and we’re really leaning into third-party flexibility for that purpose.”
Through understanding where flexible assets already exist and how they’re performing, SP Electricity North West can pinpoint the parts of the network that genuinely require reinforcement to unlock more capacity or ensure reliability.
This approach enables capital to be directed more effectively – aligning investment with real, data-driven needs.
Guiding future development
As well as helping SP Electricity North West run a better network, flexibility data helps shape the future. By providing insights into where the grid needs the most support, SP Electricity North West can guide developers on where to place new flexible assets.
“We’re also supporting FSPs in terms on where to build those assets, based on where in the network we need the most flexibility – ultimately, where FSPs can get the most bang for their buck for developing their DERs,” says Paul.
This approach turns the grid into a collaborative ecosystem, where strategic information benefits everyone – developers, communities, and network planners alike.
The data-driven grid of the future
Armed with DER visibility, SP Electricity North West is building a more intelligent grid. Using data to improve visibility, optimise investment, manage constraints, and plan proactively, the system operator is showing how DER data can be the foundation of a modern and responsive energy system.
