SP Energy Networks is playing a leading role in the Energy Networks Association (ENA) and working collaboratively with other operators and the ESO to support the transition to a smart, flexible system that connects large-scale energy generation right down to the solar panels and electric vehicles installed in homes, businesses and communities right across the country. This is often referred to as the smart grid.
The Open Networks programme has brought together the nine electricity grid operators in the UK and Ireland to work together to standardise customer experiences and align processes to make connecting to the networks as easy as possible and bring record amounts of renewable distributed energy resources, like wind and solar panels, to the local electricity grid.
The programme is also working with the UK Government, the energy regulator Ofgem, respected academics, industry experts and trade associations.
Areas of focus
Open Networks has a strong focus on Distribution System Operation (DSO) and flexibility markets. In 2023, Open Networks will focus on increasing participation and volume in the local flexibility market in line with actions from BEIS’ and Ofgem’s Smart Systems and Flexibility plan (2021). Open Networks aims to allow flexibility providers to easily engage with the market while having transparency of network planning and decision-making and make energy networks more coordinated and aligned.
The pace of change Open Networks is delivering is unprecedented in the industry, and to make sure the transformation of the networks becomes a reality, we have created three new workstreams under Open Networks to progress the delivery of the smart grid.
Find out more about Open Networks.