BankEnergi Limited

Why did you get involved with distribution flexibility services?

We became involved in innovative solutions to decarbonisation in 2019 with our first BankEnergi concepts study with Innovate UK funding. Since then, the business model has evolved to more commercial outcomes from flexibility trading and enabling building owners and facilities managers to take advantage of this service.

We got involved because of the benefits of better grid management, enabling more renewables to be placed onto the grid, and a revenue stream for our customers, by simply using their existing energy consuming assets.

What do you wish you had known before starting the process?

We were lucky in that we reached out to UK Power Networks in the early days when we were unclear about certain processes. The team were friendly and helped us to navigate the process. As a leader and innovator in flexibility products, UK Power Networks, regularly consults with industry on how to better the process. They have been very accommodating, including attending client meetings with us where necessary! The process itself has become more streamlined over the years, with general standardisation now happening across the DNOs via the Energy Networks Association.

What have you liked best about working with UK Power Networks?

UK Power Networks is always striving for the best for its customers and its providers. It’s clear to see this in both governance and regular forums that are held. They take on board feedback and recognise that we are working in a nascent industry and, therefore, solutions can be jointly worked out. We were also surprised that other Flexibility Services Providers came in all sizes and shapes, ranging from EV companies to large energy suppliers, to smaller start-ups like ours. This has given us the confidence to keep striving and finessing our business model to meet our customers’ demand – both that of the DNO and the building or asset owner.