SP Energy Networks Launches New Flexibility Platform ‘ElectronConnect’ To Modernize Energy Markets

SP Energy Networks has officially launched its new flexibility market platform, ElectronConnect, following its transition on 31 March 2026. The platform has been introduced to replace the previous tendering system and marks a significant step in modernising how flexibility services are accessed, managed, and delivered across its network. The rollout reflects the organisation’s broader commitment to building a more efficient, digital, and user-focused flexibility ecosystem in collaboration with flexibility service providers (FSPs).

ElectronConnect was developed after a competitive procurement process, where Electron was selected as the platform provider for the next three years. The decision was made to ensure that the system remains future-ready, compliant with evolving regulatory requirements, and aligned with the expectations of Ofgem and Elexon, particularly in their role as Flexibility Market Facilitator. It also builds on the foundation established through earlier collaboration with Piclo, while introducing enhanced automation and improved system capabilities.

A key objective of the new platform is to simplify participation in flexibility markets and improve operational efficiency for service providers. One of its major features is quick onboarding, with existing provider and asset data already migrated to ensure continuity and reduce disruption during the transition. The system also introduces automated validation checks, which confirm whether assets are located within the correct Constraint Management Zones (CMZs), helping to improve accuracy and reduce administrative effort.

Asset registration processes have been streamlined through automation, significantly reducing manual intervention and duplication of data entry. In addition, ElectronConnect leverages half-hourly smart meter data to improve settlement accuracy and validate payments, ensuring greater transparency and reliability in financial transactions. These enhancements are designed to support more accurate and efficient market operations. The platform also improves dispatch processes by enabling automated bid acceptance and real-time dispatch notifications.

Flexibility service providers can integrate directly through APIs, allowing for faster and more seamless communication between systems. Looking ahead, ElectronConnect is designed to be future-ready, with additional features expected to be introduced in line with evolving market rules and continuous feedback from participants. SP Energy Networks has emphasized that the transition to ElectronConnect will help support the ongoing expansion of its flexibility markets, which have experienced consistent year-on-year growth. The platform is intended to reduce complexity, improve accessibility, and create a more efficient participation environment for all stakeholders involved in flexibility services.

Gerard Boyd, Head of Flexibility at SP Energy Networks, highlighted that the development of ElectronConnect was shaped by extensive engagement with market participants and regulatory stakeholders. He noted that the platform is designed to ensure flexibility markets remain open, transparent, and aligned with future system requirements. He also expressed confidence that the new partnership will help expand market participation while delivering cost-effective and reliable network solutions for customers.

From Electron’s perspective, CEO and Co-Founder Jo-Jo Hubbard described the launch as a shift toward a more dynamic and responsive flexibility market. She noted that the platform is already enabling month-ahead markets and providing early insights into how flexibility can be deployed more effectively. Over the next three years, the focus will be on scaling these capabilities further, improving precision in flexibility deployment, and supporting both network reliability and cost efficiency.

For flexibility service providers, the transition is expected to be largely seamless. From 31 March onwards, all flexibility tendering will be conducted through ElectronConnect. The automated features are expected to simplify key processes such as tendering, dispatch, and settlement, while future enhancements will be communicated in advance to ensure smooth adoption and integration. Overall, the launch of ElectronConnect represents a significant step in the evolution of SP Energy Networks’ flexibility markets, reinforcing its commitment to digital transformation, operational efficiency, and the continued development of a more responsive and scalable energy system.