SSEN Distribution

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution is a division of SSE PLC, responsible for the distribution of electrical energy to over 4 million homes and businesses across central southern England and the north of Scotland. We serve some of the most diverse and unique geographies across the UK, keeping customers and communities connected whilst developing the flexible electricity network — vital for achieving net zero.

202 MW

Flexibility contracted in 2023

5 GW

Flexibility sought to 2028

FSPs contracted across 40 areas.

There are currently no active tenders but it’s still a good time to start the process of becoming a flexibility services provider (FSP).

‍How can I get involved now?‍

Flexibility procurement occurs several times a year with plans to procure 5 GW of capacity over the next 5 years. This means we need participants to sign up for upcoming tenders.

Keep up-to-date and find out more about SSEN’s flexibility services here: Flexibility Services - SSEN‍

To deliver flexibility services, you will need to follow this process:

Complete pre-qualification questionnaire
Receive a positive response in the mini competition tendering round
Accept a bid for providing flexibility services

Start by signing up to the dynamic purchasing system (DPS). This is the first part of the process, and it is always open. Here, you can access a questionnaire to determine if you are eligible for flexibility. Then you can easily take part in future tendering.

Notices

January 29, 2024

SSEN Distribution is seeking 5 GW of capacity through to 2028

The next round opens in spring 2024.

Keep up-to-date and find out more about SSEN’s flexibility services here: Flexibility Services - SSEN

Sign up to the dynamic purchasing system (DPS) at any time to begin the process and stay informed on upcoming tender rounds. For more information, and

DSO Acceleration plan: ssen-dso-strategy-2023.pdf

For information on plans for flexibility services: please see: Flexibility Services Document Library - SSEN

Who can tender for flexibility services?

Owners, operator, or aggregators of generation, storage, or demand assets over 10 kW in SSEN’s distribution regions.

What is the commitment once signed up as a flexibility service provider?

Flexibility service providers will be informed of a date and time where they may be required to turn demand or generation up/down. This will only be utilised if the grid requires it, which will be communicated nearer the time.

Once signed up, how are flexibility services dispatched?

Once you are signed up as an FSP, you will receive an availability notice one month in advance of the flexibility services you are contracted to provide. This is dispatched through Flexible Power — the comprehensive flexibility platform we use alongside 3 other DNOs.

What if I have flexibility assets in both England and Scotland?

If you have assets that are eligible for flexibility in both our English (SEPD) and Scottish (SHEPD) regions, you will have to go through the process twice. This means prequalifying, taking part in the mini competition, and signing contracts twice to take part in both markets.

Interested in finding out more? Contact our flexibility team at flexibilityprocurement@sse.com.