Flexibility will be crucial for achieving net zero and its procurement is a key step in the transition to Distribution System Operation. Since 2018, Electricity North West has tendered for over 70MW of flexibility services across the North West of England.
The launch of the DPS signals a new commercial partnership between Piclo and Electricity North West, highlighting the network’s intention to launch its seventh set of flexibility competitions later this year on Piclo Flex.
The announcement means Electricity North West will become the fifth network operator to partner with Piclo. By opting to use a DPS, Electricity North West will enhance the engagement process for Flex Providers, reduce administrative barriers and enable competition results to be announced quicker.
James Johnston, CEO and co-founder of Piclo said: “This stride forward by Electricity North West shows the tide is turning in favour of streamlined, transparent flexibility procurement and we are delighted to be collaborating with ENWL in enabling their ambitions.
"Flexibility is the future and we are proud of the role Piclo is playing in enabling a smart, flexible and resilient energy system.
"We look forward to our ongoing partnership with Electricity North West and encourage Flex Providers to engage, apply to the Dynamic Purchasing System and upload their assets early.”
Lois Clark, DSO Commercial Manager at Electricity North West said: “This partnership demonstrates a key step in our ongoing investment in the key enablers of our people, technology, data and business capabilities that will help these markets to mature, providing greater visibility of network needs and simplifying coordination between all parties.
"We are committed to simplifying our approach to flexibility to encourage participation and facilitate our journey to net zero carbon in the North West and are excited to be working with Piclo to help us achieve these goals.”
[1] Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) - A Dynamic Purchasing System is a completely electronic and automated method of company qualification, simplifying the process by which System Operators pre-qualify Flex Provider companies to take part in flexibility competitions
