UK: National Grid’s Distribution System Operator (DSO) has awarded its largest long-term flexibility portfolio to date, securing 196 GWh of availability in the latest annual tender – a tenfold increase on 2024.
The results highlight strong market participation and the growing contribution of low-carbon technologies to a cleaner, more efficient electricity system.
“This year’s results demonstrate real momentum for flexibility as a smarter way to operate the electricity network and reduce costs for consumers,” said Cathy McClay, Managing Director of National Grid DSO. “We are delighted to deliver our largest long-term tender and to see such a positive response to our new Flex Up service. It provides a solid foundation as we continue to grow and evolve local flexibility markets.”
The 2025 tender introduced wider availability windows and additional service hours, offering more opportunities for providers across flexibility zones serving more than 4.5 million customers.
Alongside long-term contracts, substantial short-term opportunities remain, as the market transitions from a week-ahead to a day-ahead structure.
The new FlexUp demand turn-up service also saw strong engagement, with 52 GWh awarded across 23 high-voltage zones. As the first DSO to trial this service, National Grid DSO is pioneering ways to reduce renewable curtailment by shifting demand to periods of high renewable generation. FlexUp helps consumers gain maximum value from clean energy already on the system and demonstrates how flexibility services are evolving to support decarbonisation.
This procurement round sets a new benchmark in scale, accessibility and innovation, reinforcing the role of flexibility in building a low-carbon, cost-efficient electricity network for the future.
Source: National Grid DSO
