UK flexibility market gets new Code of Conduct

A new Code of Conduct has been introduced in the UK to support households and businesses engaged in the flexibility market, a platform involving the buying and selling of electricity to manage grid supply and demand.

The HOMEflex Code of Conduct (Household or Microbusiness Energy flexibility) was initiated by Flex Assure, a code of conduct and compliance scheme developed by industry to set standards of practice for flexibility services providers.

Developed under the guidance of Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) and funded by the Network Innovation Allowance (NIA), the Code seeks to promote trust and participation in services within the flexibility market.

Amid the UK's ongoing transition to a more sustainable and adaptable energy system, essential adjustments are necessary to make it more intelligent and responsive.

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The HOMEflex Code's launch is a crucial step in this transition, establishing standard practices for companies offering energy flexibility services and potentially leading to a Compliance Scheme and improved communication between flexibility aggregators and consumers.

Specifically, the Code defines common practices for energy flexibility service providers in the hopes of ensuring accountability and unlocking the full potential of domestic demand side response.

Research conducted by the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) provided the foundation for the Code, highlighting the demand from domestic and microbusiness energy customers for enhanced industry standards and better adherence to those standards.

Osborne Clarke, an international law firm, provided legal advice to Flex Assure in connection with the HOMEflex Code of Conduct.

They also participated as a member of the cross-industry Code Working Group that assisted Flex Assure in the Code's development. The team was led by corporate associate director Alex Underwood and included projects senior associate Griffin O'Rourke.