SSEN is opening the door to the next phase of grid flexibility.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Distribution will launch a new long-term flexibility auction on 12 January 2026, seeking a further 46MW of capacity to help manage growing pressure on the electricity network.

The auction window will stay open until 26 January and will cover 101 locations across SSEN’s north and south distribution areas.

It builds on the 934MW of flexibility already secured during the first half of the current ED2 price control period.

Flexibility is fast becoming a core part of how the grid works.

As electric vehicles, heat pumps, solar panels and batteries connect at pace, the ability to shift when and where electricity is used or generated is now critical to keeping networks stable and costs down.

Rather than reinforcing cables and substations everywhere, flexibility allows networks to pay providers to adjust demand or generation at key times.

It supports smart grids and makes decarbonisation cheaper and faster.

SSEN says this auction is tightly targeted.

Its network assessments have identified specific local needs where flexibility can unlock capacity and defer costly upgrades.

Paul Fitzgerald, Flexibility Manager at SSEN Distribution, said: “SSEN takes an efficient, and targeted approach to its procurement of Flexibility Services.”

He added: “Flexibility Services are a key part of our overall network plans.”

For providers, the message is clear. This is a live commercial opportunity as well as a route into the future energy system.

Eligible Flexibility Service Providers can access full tender details including postcodes through SSEN Distribution’s long-term bidding process.