Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) will open its next long-term flexibility auction on Monday 12 October 2026, with the bidding window running until Friday 30 October 2026.

The tender covers 39 requirements across SSEN's north and south distribution areas, with a budget of £0.66m to secure 156MW of flexibility. It continues the company's progress in developing Flexibility Service Markets, taking the total volume procured within the RIIO-ED2 period to more than 1,039MW.

Paul Fitzgerald, Flexibility Manager at SSEN Distribution, says: "Opening this latest flexibility auction shows our commitment to working with providers and unlocking smarter ways to use our network. Securing up to 156MW across 39 requirements gives participants the chance to compete for longer-term opportunities, while helping us deliver a more responsive and resilient electricity system.

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"By integrating network assessment data, we can identify where flexibility offers the most efficient solution; improving outage management, reducing reliance on mobile diesel generation, lowering the risk of customer interruptions and making better use of our infrastructure.

"I'd like to encourage eligible providers to bid; their involvement can help ease constraints, connect more low-carbon technologies and support a more secure, home-grown energy system."

Flexibility refers to shifting when and where electricity is consumed and generated. As more low-carbon technologies such as electric vehicles, rooftop solar and heat pumps connect to the grid alongside distributed energy resources, flexibility helps manage network constraints and underpins smart-grid solutions that support a cost-effective transition to net zero.

Where the network allows, deploying flexibility can protect customers during larger planned outages by rerouting supplies and reducing the risk of disruption if unexpected issues occur. It can also extend the window for planned works, enabling maintenance during periods of higher demand.

By integrating outage management into the day-ahead market, SSEN aims to keep the network operating efficiently during maintenance while creating short-notice opportunities and potential new revenue streams for flexibility service providers.

Full details of the tender requirements, including postcodes, are available under 'Current Long-Term Bidding' on SSEN's Flexibility Services website. Eligible Flexibility Service Providers can access the complete bidding process and supporting information via the ElectronConnect platform.