New flexibility standard set to boost network efficiency

Energy Networks Association (ENA) and industry leaders have developed a new common standard for dispatching flexibility, aligned with OpenADR 3.1.

Led by ENA in partnership with Elexon, NESO and the OpenADR Alliance, the internationally aligned standard is due to be further developed by Elexon as the flexibility market facilitator.

The mission of the OpenADR Alliance is to foster the development, adoption, and compliance of the OpenADR standards through collaboration, education, training, testing and certification.

Flexibility allows users to turn devices off during high levels of energy demand or turn devices on during periods of high renewable generation, and modulate output as required for either scenario. OpenADR is an interface that allows electricity providers to communicate using a common language.

A common standardised interface used by all distribution network operators will make it easier for users, known as a flexibility service providers, to benefit from multiple markets across the country.

Energy flexibility relieves pressure on the electricity grid whilst allowing consumers to be paid for modifying their energy use. It is projected to deliver over £3bn in savings by 2028 due to lower contributions to infrastructure costs, reduced connection charges and the increased use of low-carbon energy sources.

David Boyer

David Boyer, Director of Electricity Systems at Energy Networks Association, said:

“From June 2024 to June 2025, electricity networks harnessed 22GWh, enough to power almost 7,000 average UK households for a full year. This new standard will open the door for even more providers to join flexibility markets, boosting flexibility overall and supporting Clean Power 2030 targets set by UK Government.

“It will deliver a consistent process across all networks, strengthening Great Britain’s position as a leader in flexibility. This is an important step forward for network operators and industry partners as we build a smarter, more efficient energy grid.”

Elexon will continue to work with industry to develop the standard, together with the supporting processes, implementation approach and governance required to deliver the interoperable dispatch solution.

Steven Gough

Steven Gough, Head of Flexibility at Elexon, said:

“Part of our delivery plan as the market facilitator is to align the operation of flexibility markets, so that there is a more consistent user experience for both flexibility providers and system operators.

“One of the steps we are taking is to build on the work that the ENA has done, and develop an API solution which creates a single, consistent interface for dispatch across the distribution system operator-led flexibility markets. We also plan to work with NESO to explore the feasibility of extending the solution to meet the needs of their markets."

Commenting on the practical benefits of standardisation, Rolf Bienert, Managing Director at OpenADR Alliance, said: 

“Scalability is a key component to make our energy grid reliable, safe, and effective in the future. The use of standards is greatly supporting this in many aspects. Therefore we are excited to take part in this collaboration to use the OpenADR 3.0 standard to develop the flexibility systems in the GB market and beyond.”

Rolf Bienert (left) and Joseph Stepney

Joseph Stepney, Head of Strategy and Architecture, NESO, added:

"NESO looks forward to working closely with ENA, Elexon and OpenADR Alliance to deliver greater interoperability opportunities for market participants by developing standards for data sharing for the dispatch of flexibility services."