SP Energy Networks has launched a flexibility tender for companies who can vary their demand or call on self-supply at specific times. It wants to procure 273MW of flexibility for an 18-month period from November 2023 to October 2025, and is looking for providers across 571 locations within its distribution network licence areas.

The flexibility will help manage supply in areas where demand for electricity will increase as more electric vehicles and heat pumps are used, leading to network constraints during busy periods. Flexibility services will allow more low carbon technologies to be used, help manage short term constraints and defer the need for traditional network reinforcement. It will lower the cost for customers while providing a more reliable network.

SP Energy Networks has already accepted bids for more than 600MW to help meet its flexibility requirements. The latest tender will target new locations.

Gerry Boyd, Head of Flexibility at SP Energy Networks says: “Flexibility is essential to help meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers and deliver a low carbon future for everyone.
“We have identified areas where demand for electricity is likely to be higher than the existing capacity of local substations. Within these areas, we are tendering for flexibility to ensure our network continues to be as resilient as possible as more and more customers make the transition to low carbon technologies.”
Flex providers can register their assets on the Piclo platform to automatically qualify for and bid into the flexibility auctions. The pre-qualification period is open and will run until Friday 14 July. Bidding will open on Monday 17 July and close on Friday 21 July.

SP Energy Networks and Piclo will be co-hosting a webinar on Friday 12 May to provide information about the tender and how to use the platform.

To view further information on the tender and to register, visit www.picloflex.com