Flexibility

Smart GB Publications

Voltage management just grew up. Now DNOs need to show their working.
ByRoger Hey 9 June 20269 June 2026

The article argues that Ofgem’s ED3 Sector Specific Methodology Decision is a genuine win for voltage management, making it a core DSO responsibility with mandatory strategy and reporting, and unlocking better flexibility, easier connections, lower bills and reduced blackout risk. It matters because the decision sets the direction but leaves the steering to the DNOs, who must now submit voltage management strategies with localised reduction targets rather than mere baselines, while Ofgem still needs to land the incentive design. It closes by inviting readers to debate it at the Voltage Matters Forum Live in Birmingham on 25 June, with all five DNOs and Ofgem confirmed in the room.

Read More Voltage management just grew up. Now DNOs need to show their working.
Energy Geeks Publications

Energy flexibility: Who is doing what?
ByRoger Hey 1 February 2026

The article reports on the unresolved question of which body owns each part of the flexibility landscape across NESO, DSOs, Elexon, RECCo and the suppliers, drawing on the Energy Geeks’ broader work on roles and accountabilities. It matters because flexibility is repeatedly named as the biggest single challenge in meeting Clean Power 2030, and the absence of a clearly accountable owner for the end to end customer experience continues to slow participation and investment.

Read More Energy flexibility: Who is doing what?
Energy Geeks Publications

Does the Flexibility Roadmap stack up?
ByRoger Hey 1 October 2025

The article argues that the Clean Flexibility Roadmap is a thorough document with real strengths on voltage, storage heaters and digitalisation, but is undermined by circular governance between DESNZ, Ofgem and NESO and by significant gaps on energy efficiency, distribution networks and fairness. It matters because flexibility is repeatedly named as the biggest challenge in meeting Clean Power 2030, and a plan that overstates universal benefits without acknowledging trade-offs risks failing on delivery and on equity.

Read More Does the Flexibility Roadmap stack up?
Energy Geeks Publications

Triple play needed to stop volts going to waste
ByRoger Hey 15 July 2025

The article argues that active voltage management can deliver three simultaneous benefits, namely direct bill reductions for consumers, additional system flexibility and greater connection headroom, from the same equipment and control systems. It matters because the Clean Flexibility Roadmap has now tasked Ofgem with addressing voltage management, and ED3 is the regulatory moment to translate that into firm engineering and incentive requirements before customers continue paying for a system that is not working as efficiently as it could.

Read More Triple play needed to stop volts going to waste
Energy Geeks Publications

Clean Power 2030 action plan overlooks industrial flex
ByRoger Hey 15 December 2024

The article argues that the government’s Clean Power 2030 action plan is welcome on flexibility in principle but sidelines industrial and commercial users, who are arguably better placed than domestic consumers to deliver flexibility at scale. It matters because the targets for smart charging and smart appliances are extremely ambitious, and they will not be met without engaging large energy users on their own terms, rewarding whole system value and rebooting the digitalisation customer journey.

Read More Clean Power 2030 action plan overlooks industrial flex