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NETWORK / 12 / NOVEMBER 2018 DEMAND SIDE RESPONSE N etwork flexibility is a key topic, especially as the distribution network opera- tors (DNOs) announce their plans for transitioning to distribution system opera- tors (DSOs). While network flexibility is the popular discussion point, the system opera- tor (National Grid) has always carried out balancing activities, maintaining system fre- quency and ensuring supply meets demand. Various generators are called upon to come online or ramp up and down to ensure the continued secure operation of the system, traditionally this has been carried out by transmission connected entities. The move from transmission connected assets to distributed energy resources (DER) has encouraged a change in the ancillary services market with the system operator creating new services (such as enhanced frequency response, ideal for battery storage developers). As a number of services require a minimum capacity for participation, more are open to participation via a commercial aggregator, allowing developers with fleets of smaller assets to access revenue streams. Demand side response (DSR) is not a new concept, or indeed a new service but the current commercial rules favour: l A large commercial or industrial (C&I) customer; l A commercial aggregator 1 ; or l A registered supply company. The benefits for a fresh look at indus- trial DSR lie in gaining more visibility and control of operations and energy usage in an industrial facility, and reducing network charges by turning down demand at times of system peaks. What else can C&I custom- ers do outside of peak demand manage- ment? Considering the trend towards DSO, while there may not (yet) be specific ser- vices to participate in requiring communica- tion from the DSO, there are obvious and potentially valuable DSR programs to take advantage of such as avoiding Distribution Use of System (DUoS) red band periods, high system buy/sell price periods, and providing imbalance services to balancing market participants. Extending the understanding and scope of DSR and exploring new enabling technol- ogy platforms was investigated as part of a recently completed European Project, 'OPTIMISED'; this project has received Providing network flexibility As the energy system transitions from distribution network operator (DNO) to distribution system operator (DSO), the question of demand side response (DSR) is on everyone's lips. Factory 4.0 is the banner for work to make the manufacturing and production environment more intelligent, with data capture and analytics, and helping to make commercial DSR a reality. Dr Rachael Taljaard, senior consultant at Smarter Grid Solutions, asks: is it cost effective or even realistic to alter manufacturing processes?