We’re launching another long-term flexibility auction in October 2026, continuing to progress our Flexibility Service Markets with over 1039MW of volume procured within RIIO-ED2.
This latest long-term market window opens on Monday 19 October, running through to Friday 30 October 2026, and will cover 39 requirements across our north and south network areas with a budget of £0.66m to secure 156MW of flexibility.
Paul Fitzgerald, Flexibility Manager at SSEN Distribution, says:
“Opening this latest flexibility auction shows our commitment to working with providers and unlocking smarter ways to use our network. Securing up to 156MW across 39 requirements gives participants the chance to compete for longer-term opportunities, while helping us deliver a more responsive and resilient electricity system.
“By integrating network assessment data, we can identify where flexibility offers the most efficient solution; improving outage management, reducing reliance on mobile diesel generation, lowering the risk of customer interruptions and making better use of our infrastructure.
“I’d like to encourage eligible providers to bid; their involvement can help ease constraints, connect more low-carbon technologies and support a more secure, home-grown energy system.”
Want to know more about flexibility?
Flexibility is the ability to shift the timing and location of both the consumption and generation of electricity. As more low carbon technologies - such as electric vehicles, solar panels and heat pumps connect to the grid alongside distributed energy resources, flexibility plays an essential role in managing constraints on the network and supporting the smart-grid technologies that allow a cost-effective transition to net zero.
Where our infrastructure allows, the use of flexibility can help protect customers during larger planned outages by rerouting supplies and reducing the risk of disruption, should an unexpected issue occur. This approach also increases the available window for planned works, so maintenance can be carried out during higher-demand periods.
Additionally, by integrating outage management into the day-ahead market, our network can continue to operate efficiently during maintenance, while creating short-notice opportunities and potential new revenue streams for flexibility service providers.
Visit our Flexibility Services website for more information and to access the ElectronConnect Platform.
How can you take part in this auction?
Full details of the tender requirements, including postcodes, are available under ‘Current Long-Term Bidding’ on our website. Eligible Flexibility Service Providers can access the full bidding process and supporting information through the ElectronConnect platform.