12 August 2024 – SSEN Distribution is all set to unlock greater volume and value across its networks following this morning’s successful adoption of the ElectronConnect flex market platform, with the first in a new season of flexibility auctions also starting today.
The use of ElectronConnect will streamline the market entry process for Flexibility Service Providers (FSPs), and this three-year partnership will play a key role in the transition to Net Zero across SSEN’s two operating regions in central southern England and the north of Scotland.
SSEN’s DSO Acceleration Action Plan first identified the selection of a new flexibility market platform during Spring 2024 as a key enabler for further growth – a forecast which led to the partnership with Electron being announced in May.
The network operator worked closely with its stakeholders to gain the best-possible understanding of what they need from the platform running the distribution flexibility market. The feedback from those people and groups SSEN works with informed the decision to select Electron’s platform.
Over the past few months, an increasing number of new providers have been signing up with SSEN to deliver flexibility services. This auction is open to the growing number of companies who have existing Overarching Agreement Contracts with the network operator.
Later in the year, SSEN will open the opportunity for new companies to take part in the process of signing Overarching Agreements.
SSEN’s Flexibility Market Manager, Catherine Winning, says:
“We’re always looking for ways to raise our profile in the flex arena and reach new audiences, and so it’s great to now be using the ElectronConnect platform, as this will expand our markets and see us run more auctions.
“Today has seen us ‘kick off’ the new season of a flex auctions, with the next one taking place early September, followed up by one each month all the way through autumn and winter. This is all exciting for us, as flexibility plays such a key role in enabling the transition to net zero in a cost-effective way – quickly and effectively maximising the capacity of our existing network.
“In addition, I’m looking forward to working with industry colleagues and the new Market Facilitator to ensure that Flexibility Services continue to evolve and keep on playing such an important part in our energy future.”
Electron’s Chief Commercial Officer Chris Broadhurst says:
“The launch of the first live auctions on ElectronConnect for SSEN Distribution is a fantastic milestone. With 5GW of flexibility targeted by 2028, SSEN has a clear vision for flexibility at scale, and Electron is proud to be partnering with SSEN to help make this vision a reality.
“As a flexibility market platform provider, our job is to maximise the volume and value of flexibility – this means more markets, running more often, and in a more connected way. We’re excited to work with SSEN and Flexibility Service Providers to drive this forward, together.”
About SSEN
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution is the electricity distribution arm of the FTSE-50 energy company, SSE. We serve over 3.9 million customers across the diverse and unique geographies of the north of Scotland, and central southern England.
Our role has never been more important. The communities we serve depend on us to deliver a safe, reliable supply of electricity to their homes and businesses so they can thrive today. And for us to deliver the infrastructure to create a net zero tomorrow. To do this we’re inspired every day by our vision to be “powering change with every connection”.
For further information please contact SSEN’s Media Team: 0345 0760 530
About Electron
Electron’s vision is to unleash renewable abundance by connecting millions of distributed energy resources to thousands of coordinated markets using ElectronConnect. This highly configurable Software as a Service platform allows electricity system operators, network utilities and municipal suppliers, to launch, operate, and coordinate local flexibility markets at scale.
Electron also provides trade execution services and full life-cycle support to flexibility service providers, thus enabling our customers to play a leading role in enabling Net Zero Energy – delivering a reliable and safe network, at the lowest cost, and with industry leading customer experience.
For media requests, please contact Emma Lovell at emma.lovell@electron.net.
