Electricity North West, the distribution network operator for Manchester has joined a national online ‘smart’ energy marketplace pioneered by ex-pat Scots energy entrepreneur James Johnston
Piclo Flex is an online marketplace for operators who wish to procure demand-side flexibility to reduce congestion on the electricity grid.
Research by Imperial College and Carbon Trust found that a smart and flexible grid could save UK bill payers £17-40 billion by 2050.
Electricity North West will add their areas of need onto Piclo Flex to signpost where they are looking for flexible services in the future.
Cara Blockley, Central Services Manager at Electricity North West said: “An online platform could lower barriers and increase participation in this important new service needed by the industry.
“Our energy landscape is evolving at a rapid pace and as an organisation, we are absolutely committed to the transition to a low carbon economy and as such, it’s vital that we play a central role in facilitating this transition”
Piclo Flex is being developed as part of a BEIS funded trial and has been running since September 2017. Two other DNOs have already signed up to trial the platform – UK Power Networks and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks.
Johnston, chief executive and co-founder of Piclo said: “We are excited to welcome Electricity North West to the growing number of DNOs who are trialling the platform.
“We hope to demonstrate how better visibility of flexible assets and streamlining of procurement processes through our platform can lead to better outcomes and more efficient operation of the grid.”
Pico has secured £2 million of funding, including grants from DECC and BEIS and private investment from Ian Marchant, former SSE chief executive and has been named by Bloomberg as a UK top 50 Business Innovator.
12 Jul 2018
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