Our provision of Flexibility Services is entering a new era with the launch of Day-Ahead Markets, which will begin on Monday 24 November 2025 on the ElectronConnect platform. In piloting these new markets, we're one of only two Distribution Network Operators (DNO) to offer this opportunity to Flexibility Service Providers.
Day-Ahead Markets will allow the providers of Flexibility Services to decide at shorter notice if they wish to take part. As well as creating new opportunities for Flexibility Service Providers to participate in the market, and thus earn more revenue, the introduction of these markets will also benefit customers who are seeking to connect, by releasing greater capacity on the network when it’s needed.
ABOVE: The advent of Day-Ahead Markets will release more capacity onto the network to support the adoption of low-carbon technologies, like EVs.
Day-Ahead Markets will be held based on network requirements, and will open and close daily, with the contracted action – be it exporting power or reducing use – being taken the next day. This approach will enable more agile and efficient market operations that are well aligned with real-time network needs.
During this pilot phase, market operations will be limited. This gradual roll-out will allow us to closely monitor performance, ensuring the system works effectively, and help with the gathering of valuable insights from stakeholders that will inform how these new markets develop.
Paul Fitzgerald, SSEN Distribution’s Network Access and Flexibility Markets Manager, says:
“Being able to offer flexibility opportunities that are closer to real-time for customers who can adjust their energy usage will be a game changer for us, the providers we work with, and the wider market.
“These new opportunities will appeal to a wider range of participants—from individual electric vehicle owners to operators of larger assets such as battery storage, and solar and wind farms.”
ABOVE: The new markets will help operators of large solar farms - and people with panels on the roofs of their homes - become more involved in flexibility.
Jo-Jo Hubbard, CEO and co-founder of Electron, which operates SSEN Distribution’s flexibility platform, says:
“Day-ahead flexibility is a big step towards making the grid truly dynamic. When networks can trade capacity this close to need, flexibility stops "just" being a cost-management tool and becomes the mechanism for affordable, resilient capacity growth.
“We’re thrilled to be SSEN’s partners, enabling them to move faster, open the doors to new participants, and bring us ever closer to a fully flexible energy system.”
Following this pilot phase, we plan to scale up the service by increasing market volumes and expanding opportunities for wider participation.
For more information and how to participate, please visit SSEN Distribution’s Flexibility Markets website.
A recording of SSEN’s recent Day-Ahead Markets launch webinar can be viewed here.