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Target constrained areas
Work with DSO teams to prioritise locations where distributed assets and customer flexibility could help manage demand, voltage or local network constraints.
For distribution system operators
More flexibility. More community benefit.
A managed service from the Centre for Energy Equality that helps DSOs unlock local flexibility in network-constrained areas while delivering measurable social value for the communities that host it.
CEE managed service
From network need to local participation.
Technology alone does not create a dependable community flexibility resource. CEE brings together network analysis, local partnerships, household engagement, asset deployment and ongoing programme management to turn a targeted opportunity into a practical service.
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Recruit more flexibility
Engage households, EV owners, community buildings and local businesses, including people who might otherwise be excluded from flexibility markets.
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Deliver social value
Design transparent local benefits, consumer safeguards and community reinvestment alongside technical performance and network outcomes.
A joined-up delivery model
Network-led. Place-based. Community-backed.
CEE can work alongside the DSO, local authorities, community energy organisations and trusted delivery partners to create a locally credible programme with a route from demonstration to business-as-usual operation.
Where appropriate, SocialVPP can connect with local grant programmes, household support and retrofit initiatives, community share offers and other investment routes. This can help stretch available funding while keeping consumer outcomes central.
Explore community partnerships →How the managed service works
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Identify the opportunity Agree priority constrained areas, network use cases, signals and success measures.
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Build local partnerships Engage councils, community groups and funding or grant programmes.
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Mobilise assets and people Recruit and support participants; coordinate batteries, EVs and community assets.
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Operate and report Coordinate flexibility delivery, monitor outcomes and evidence social value.
Benefits for DSOs
One programme. Two sets of outcomes.
Combine the operational value of local flexibility with a lasting, accountable community legacy.
Flexibility where it matters
Location-specific participation, a broader mix of flexible assets, support for DSO service procurement and opportunities to test alternatives or complements to conventional reinforcement.
Benefits people can see
Affordable energy opportunities, accessible participation, local capacity building, support for vulnerable households and community funds or other locally agreed benefit-sharing mechanisms.
Link with local investment
Coordinate with local authority priorities, Warm Homes and other relevant grant or retrofit schemes where eligibility and delivery arrangements permit.
Measure the difference
Agree a practical reporting framework for enrolled capacity, delivered flexibility, participation, inclusion, consumer protection and community benefits.
From pilot to BAU
Built for repeatable deployment.
Start with a defined network area and delivery partners, prove the operational and community model, then extend the service across additional locations using consistent processes and locally tailored engagement.
Scope
Feasibility, network priorities, local funding landscape, partner roles and an agreed delivery plan.
Demonstrate
Onboard participants and assets, test dispatch and consumer journeys, and report against agreed measures.
Scale
Move to a managed operating model with repeatable engagement, reporting and community benefit arrangements.
Get more flex. Deliver social value.
Talk to CEE about a managed SocialVPP service in your network area.
Speak with CEE →Service scope, flexibility volumes, funding availability and outcomes are agreed with each DSO and local partners; results are not guaranteed.