- SP Energy Networks met a record 74% of its flexibility needs in July using flexibility market platform ElectronConnect, its third consecutive month of improved results
- Provider participation grew steadily, from 4.7 offers per requirement in the first bidding round (for May delivery) to 5.3 offers per requirement by the third round (for July delivery)
- Requirements fell heading into summer, as electricity demand typically dips in warmer months, yet the share of capacity successfully secured kept climbing
SP Energy Networks has completed its first three monthly flexibility procurement rounds on ElectronConnect, a UK flexibility market platform provider, meeting 74% of its flexibility needs in July 2026. This is its strongest result yet, and a marked rise from 49% in May and 65% in June.
The results show that platform-based procurement is delivering more value over time on ElectronConnect, helping SP Energy Networks secure a bigger proportion of the flexibility capacity it needs in each successive round.
Requirements and provider registration opened on a rolling monthly basis from March 2026, with bidding windows run separately for each round. Provider participation grew proportionally round on round. The April bidding round for May delivery saw 5,692 offers submitted against 1,213 published requirements, a ratio of 4.7 offers per requirement, rising to 5.3 offers per requirement by the June bidding round for July delivery.
What these results mean
The rising share of flexibility needs met – from 49% to 74% over three months – shows that ElectronConnect is helping SP Energy Networks secure more of the capacity it needs, round on round.
At the same time, the strong ratio of offers received for each requirement signals a wide, active pool of providers competing to participate. This combination – more needs being met, alongside strong competition to meet them – is a strong signal for flexibility service providers (FSPs) considering whether platform-based procurement is worth engaging with.
As more providers register, qualify, and bid across a growing range of assets, network operators can place increasing trust in distributed energy resources (DERs) being available when and where they are needed.
How ElectronConnect supports the process
Running competitive flexibility rounds at this scale, across multiple providers, thousands of individual offers, and tight bidding windows, requires infrastructure that is reliable, transparent, and easy for providers to use.
For utilities, it also means replacing time-intensive manual procurement workflows with structured, auditable processes that reduce administrative burden and allow teams to focus on analysis rather than administration.
ElectronConnect gives network operators the tools to publish requirements clearly, manage provider qualification, run structured bidding rounds, and analyse results quickly. A series of recent platform improvements (including unit-level bidding, expanded API functionality, pre-filled templates to make bidding easier, and a streamlined onboarding process) have made it easier and faster for providers to participate, directly supporting the growth seen across SP Energy Networks’ three rounds.
Gerry Boyd, Head of Flexibility, SP Energy Networks said:
“We are delighted with not only the growth in the SP Energy Networks Flex Market year on year but how we are continuing to grow and attract new providers into Flexibility. Electron have ensured the continuity of our operating model in the transition to a new platform and we are excited to work together to build a platform that meets the needs of a growing market that will support interoperability between markets now and into the future.”
Jo-Jo Hubbard, CEO and co-founder, Electron said:
“Results like these, from SP Energy Network’s first few rounds on ElectronConnect, tell you something important about where the market is heading. Flexibility providers are ready and willing to participate. What has historically held that back is confidence that participation is worth their while. When providers can see clear value, access markets easily, and commit capacity without excessive overhead, volume follows. The more we can demonstrate that, the greater the flexibility grid operators can draw on to balance the grid, and the faster distributed energy resources can deliver on their potential.”
As more network operators adopt digital procurement infrastructure, the ability to coordinate thousands of assets, manage provider qualification at scale, and move seamlessly from bid to dispatch becomes the foundation for a functional flexibility market.
Results like SP Energy Network’s demonstrate what that infrastructure can already deliver, and point to what becomes possible as the pool of registered providers deepens globally.
About SP Energy Networks
Flexibility at SP Energy Networks is a tool that is vital for day-to-day operations on our network. Current and Potential Providers are now empowered to be proactive in the way they use energy helping us to use our network more efficiently, ensure grid resilience and support the next generation of build.
About Electron
Electron’s mission is to unlock energy abundance by helping utilities deliver affordable, reliable grid capacity from millions of flexible distributed energy resources (DERs). Combining grid-aware analytics with market coordination, Electron enables system operators and utilities to see, secure, and prove the value of distributed flexibility. Trusted by leading distributed utilities worldwide, Electron is providing the foundations for a proof-led, low-cost, and resilient energy system.
For media requests, please contact Emma Lovell at emma.lovell@electron.net.
