What is Demand Side Flexibility?

Is the deviation from planned consumption, generation and/or use of storage in response to price signals or instruction, from residential, commercial or industrial sites, individually as well as through aggregation.

What is a Distribution System Operator (DSO)?

A DSO is the operator of the electric power distribution system which delivers electricity to most end users.

What is a Transmission System Operator (TSO)?

Is an organisation responsible for transporting electricity or natural gas across a national or regional network using fixed infrastructure.

Market Monitor for Demand Side Flexibility

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Explore the 7th edition of the joint LCP Delta and smartEn Market Monitor for Demand Side Flexibility

The Market Monitor for Demand Side Flexibility in collaboration with our partner, smartEn, provides in-depth analysis of the evolving flexibility market, highlighting key developments across Europe

Our goal is to help you navigate the complexities of energy system flexibility, offering valuable data and actionable insights to support decision-making and strategy.

Each edition of the Market Monitor brings fresh perspectives on how demand side flexibility is shaping the energy transition, including new policies, market dynamics and technological innovations. Whether you're looking for updates on market frameworks, business models or the role of flexibility in the decarbonisation process, you'll find everything you need right here.

The 7th edition provides a high-level overview of DSF across 12 European countries, assessing how effectively markets are opening to flexible demand from homes and businesses. It highlights a growing gap: while the technical and legal doors are beginning to open, practical barriers such as complex compensation mechanisms and high entry requirements continue to limit participation.

Market-by-market ratings: Detailed scoring across TSO ancillary services, DSO markets, wholesale and capacity markets, and retail tariffs.
Country profiles: In-depth looks at the regulatory environments in major markets including GB, France, Germany, Italy, and the Nordics.
Forward-looking trends: A summary of expected regulatory changes and implementation timelines through 2027.

7th edition: Market Monitor for Demand Side Flexibility

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2025 market maturity at a glance

This heatmap categorises 12 key European markets based on their regulatory readiness and the accessibility of demand-side flexibility (DSF). Scores are aggregated across TSO services, DSO markets, wholesale access, and retail engagement.

Discover more at the online launch of the 7th annual report

Market Monitor for Demand-Side Flexibility

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Mapping demand-side flexibility: Europe’s reality check

05 February 2026

Join our webinar to understand the role of demand-side flexibility in Europe’s evolving energy markets.

Read the previous editions of the report

The 6th annual Market Monitor offers an independent view of how 30 European markets are enabling demand side flexibility. Covering ancillary, DSO, capacity, and wholesale markets, the report highlights progress, barriers, and opportunities for DSF adoption, supported by rigorous research and expert validation.

6th edition: Market Monitor for Demand Side Flexibility

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The 5th edition of the joint LCP Delta and smartEn Market Monitor for Demand Side Flexibility maps the accessibility, monetisation and development of demand side flexibility (DSF) across 30 European countries.

5th edition: Market Monitor for Demand Side Flexibility

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Your questions answered

: Is the deviation from planned consumption, generation and/or use of storage in response to price signals or instruction, from residential, commercial or industrial sites, individually as well as through aggregation.