A new Code of Conduct has launched today to protect households and businesses participating in the flexibility market, which sees them buying and selling electricity to help manage supply and demand on the grid.
The HOMEflex Code of Conduct (Household or Microbusiness Energy flexibility), created by Flex Assure under the leadership of Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) and funded by the Network Innovation Allowance (NIA), aims to help build trust and encourage engagement in flexibility services.
International law firm Osborne Clarke acted as legal advisers to Flex Assure in connection with the HOMEflex Code of Conduct, and participated as a member of the cross-industry Code Working Group assisting Flex Assure in the development of the Code of Conduct. The team was led by corporate associate director Alex Underwood and included projects senior associate Griffin O'Rourke.
As the UK continues its transition to a cleaner, more modern energy system, essential changes must be made to make it smarter, more responsive, and flexible; the launch of the HOMEflex Code is a critical step in this transition. It defines common standards of practice for companies delivering energy flexibility services, encourages good practice and accountability and will ultimately lead to the potential creation of a Compliance Scheme and increased communication between flexibility aggregators and consumers.
Research conducted by the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) formed the basis of the Code - it found that domestic and microbusiness energy customers are calling for improved industry standards, as well as better adherence to those standards.
Today marks a milestone in increasing the transparency, inclusivity, and respect that the sector thrives on - HOMEflex will deliver this by setting common standards of practice for those delivering energy flexibility services, ensuring service providers act with accountability, and allowing the sector to realise the full potential of domestic demand side response.
Osborne Clarke has an established and well-respected position as one of the leading law firms advising on low carbon energy projects and transactions. As businesses strive to meet the challenges of decarbonisation and achieving net zero, Osborne Clarke is supporting its clients on projects to procure, fund and develop the sustainable infrastructure, buildings and land use of the future. The team’s experience and sector expertise means they are well placed to advise on companies' decarbonisation journeys.
