Distribution System Operation: Flexibility Services

This open access book is a coherent and accessible source of knowledge on flexibility services for energy. Local flexibility services are a commercial mechanism which allows participants to be renumerated for delivering a change in their usual power use, in real time or in response to prior request from the Distribution System Operators (DSOs) to help manage network congestion. Summarising key outputs from the Energy Networks Association’s (ENA) Open Networks Programme, the book traces the evolution of local flexibility markets from 'Proof of Concept' to 'Business as Usual'.

The book presents detailed technical and organisational insights from the development of local flexibility markets, focusing on inception, standardization, simplification, and transparency in decision-making across GB DSOs and interactions with the National Energy System Operator (NESO). Readers will find valuable comparisons of implementation approaches by different network companies, highlighting technical nuances and best practices.

Ideal for researchers, energy professionals, and policymakers, this book provides a critical resource for understanding the complexities and opportunities of flexibility services in energy systems. Whether you are involved in energy management, policy development, or academic research, this book offers essential insights into the future of energy flexibility and grid management. 

Avinash (Avi) is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the IET with a Masters in Electrical Energy Systems and a PhD in Smart Grids, both from Cardiff University, UK. Avi is the Head of the Open Networks at Energy Networks Association (ENA), functioning as the programme director and technical principal for the programme. Avi is also a member of UKRI’s Science Engineering and Technology Board, utilising his expertise to champion multidisciplinary and emerging scientific research in laying the foundations of a smart grid in Great Britain. Avi has more than 15 years of experience in the energy sector, working with EA Technology, Alstom and GE prior to his role at ENA.

Andrew (Andy) is a Fellow of the IET with over 30 years in the electricity sector working across distribution and transmission entities. Andy has been involved with Open Networks for eight years and a member of its Steering Group for around six years. Andy currently leads SSEN’s work on strategic development and is responsible for the publication of its Distribution Future Energy Scenarios (DFES) and Distribution Networks Options Assessment (DNOA). Previously, Andy has led the NESO’s work into the Distribution System Operation (DSO) transition and been responsible for implementation of many Open Networks policies through the NESO’s Regional Development Programmes.

Steve spent 17 years in developing sales and marketing strategies for the financial services industry before leaving to set up his own renewables installation business. He joined SSEN in 2014 to look after Major Commercial Connections in the south before joining the Future Networks team in 2017 to develop its DSO strategy. He was part of the ENA’s Open Networks Steering Group and chaired the programme’s workstream on DSO Transition. Following the implementation of SSEN’s DSO Directorate he led on local authority engagement as part of the Whole System team. He is currently part of SSE’s Corporate Directorate where he leads on stakeholder relations for its SSEN Distribution business.