The qualification process for FSPs examines two key areas: commercial readiness and asset technical suitability for UK flexibility markets.
Commercial qualification
Is the company financially sound?
DSOs can assess financial capability to meet market obligations and handle potential non-delivery penalties.
Do they have the right insurance to participate?
Verification of appropriate insurance coverage aligned with flexibility service provision liabilities.
Can they meet the service terms?
Evaluation of operational capability to consistently meet market-specific requirements including response times and availability windows.
Asset qualification
Are the assets in the markets location?
To participate in a market, assets must be located within the geographic region where the market is taking place.
Do the assets control energy in the correct direction?
Assessment of whether assets can provide the required response – for example:
Demand turn-up or turn-down services
Generation increase or decrease capability
Are the assets connected to the grid?
Verification that assets are operational with active grid connections, or a timeline of when they will be operational. Speculative or planned developments must be operational before a markets services period begins.
Are the assets supporting the grid at the correct voltage level?
Confirmation that assets are connected at appropriate voltage levels for target markets, whether extra high voltage (EHV), high voltage (HV), or low voltage (LV) distribution services, or transmission-connected.
Can the assets respond to dispatch instructions within the market requirements?
Evaluation of technical performance capability including response times, minimum/maximum delivery periods, and communication system compatibility with market dispatch requirements.