1. Electricity North West is using two platforms, ElectronConnect and Piclo Max, to maximize routes for providers to participate in flexibility markets.
2. ElectronConnect will serve as the core market platform, while Piclo Max will provide an alternative access point for providers.
3. The collaboration aims to unlock the full potential of flexibility and create a more efficient, secure, and customer-centric electricity network for Britain’s northwest.
Electricity North West is leading the way in the distribution system operation landscape by implementing a two-platform approach with ElectronConnect and Piclo Max, offering flexibility markets for service providers. This approach aims to maximize routes for providers to participate in these markets while reducing barriers to entry.
Ben Grunfeld, strategy director at Electricity North West, emphasizes the importance of embracing innovative technologies like Piclo Max and ElectronConnect to unlock the full potential of flexibility. The collaboration between these platforms represents a significant step towards creating a more efficient and customer-centric electricity network in Britain’s northwest.
ElectronConnect is a next-generation flexibility market platform that allows Electricity North West to procure flexibility across multiple service providers and technology types. Piclo Max, launched in 2024, streamlines access to all electricity markets for flexibility sellers, enabling revenue stacking opportunities across different markets.
Electricity North West will be the first distribution network operator to integrate these two platforms to maximize functionality and access routes for flexibility providers. Joining a consortium led by Arup, Electron, and the Energy Systems Catapult, they aim to create open protocols and standards for seamless integrations between buyers and sellers in various markets.
The Spring tender in April 2024 will provide opportunities for flexibility service providers to access and prequalify via either platform, demonstrating the portability of asset data and interoperability of market platforms in support of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s ‘Flexibility markets unlocked’ initiative.