The transition of electric systems from a centralized, fossil-based model toward a decentralized, renewable-powered architecture is reshaping the way electricity is generated, managed and consumed. As distributed energy resources (DERs) proliferate, grid management becomes increasingly complex, especially at the distribution level. In this context, flexibility emerges as a key enabler for more stable and efficient grid operation, while also facilitating greater integration of DER and supporting the electrification of energy demand. Local flexibility markets (LFMs) are gaining importance as structured mechanisms that allow grid operators to procure flexibility services from prosumers, aggregators and other actors. However, to ensure widespread participation, it is essential to develop digital tools that accommodate users of different profiles, regardless of their size, technical background or market experience. The REEFLEX project addresses this challenge by designing and developing 14 interoperable flexibility tools tailored to diverse stakeholder needs. To ensure that these tools are aligned with real market conditions and user expectations, REEFLEX conducted extensive stakeholder-centric surveys. This paper presents the methodology and key findings of those surveys, providing insights into user perceptions, technical requirements and adoption barriers. Results are contextualized within existing literature and other funded initiatives, highlighting implications for the design of inclusive and scalable flexibility markets.

The growing integration of distributed energy resources and electrification of end users is driving the need for greater system flexibility in modern power grids. Various electrical assets can contribute to this flexibility, either inherently or through external control mechanisms, although their suitability varies even within the same category of assets. This paper presents a novel methodological approach to assess the flexibility potential of electrical assets based on their inherent technical characteristics and their intended installation context. Inspired by the principles of the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) for buildings, the proposed method employs a scoring system to evaluate a set of key functionalities that determine an asset’s readiness to contribute to system flexibility, then through a weighted sum a final index is obtained. These scores are combined through a weighted aggregation to produce a single, easy-to-interpret index that synthesizes multiple characteristics, enabling comparisons across different technologies. Unlike the SRI, this approach is not focused on certification but rather on providing a decision-support tool for end-users. The applicability of the method is demonstrated through a case study evaluating a photovoltaic inverter, followed by a sensitivity analysis to assess the robustness of the weighting scheme. Results indicate that the proposed index provides a transparent and replicable means of quantifying flexibility potential, supporting more informed planning and investment decisions.