Elexon acts as the flexibility market facilitator, appointed by Ofgem (the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets).
How the market facilitator works
At the moment, flexibility markets are fragmented and uncoordinated, which creates barriers for those wanting to take part.
Our role is to coordinate and standardise flexibility markets across Great Britain, which will remove those barriers. We ensure that rules, processes, and data support efficient and transparent operation of these markets.
Elexon’s main responsibilities are:
Providing strategic leadership
Elexon gives expert advice to Ofgem and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) by:
- identifying and addressing barriers to flexibility early
- monitoring developments in policy, regulation, innovation, and energy markets
- creating and managing a two-year Market Coordination Delivery Plan and an Annual Delivery Schedule to set clear priorities and maintain transparency.
Coordinating flexibility markets
Elexon develops and manages the Flexibility Market Rules to ensure consistent operation across markets, including:
- setting operational standards
- defining data exchange protocols
- establishing baseline methodologies.
Elexon also works closely with industry stakeholders to maintain an up-to-date Flexibility Market Catalogue.
Monitoring implementation and compliance
Elexon ensures that Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and the National Energy System Operator (NESO) implement the agreed rules and processes on time.
If issues or non-compliance arise, Elexon reports them to Ofgem, which may take enforcement action.
Learn more
To explore Elexon’s wider strategy and ambitions, see Elexon’s flexibility vision & action plan.