diff --git a/test/e2e/framework/provider.go b/test/e2e/framework/provider.go
index feef1ca3377..f6c8181e0cf 100644
--- a/test/e2e/framework/provider.go
+++ b/test/e2e/framework/provider.go
@@ -43,10 +43,13 @@ func RegisterProvider(name string, factory Factory) {
 }
 
 func init() {
-	// "local" can always be used.
+	// "local" or "skeleton" can always be used.
 	RegisterProvider("local", func() (ProviderInterface, error) {
 		return NullProvider{}, nil
 	})
+	RegisterProvider("skeleton", func() (ProviderInterface, error) {
+		return NullProvider{}, nil
+	})
 	// The empty string also works, but triggers a warning.
 	RegisterProvider("", func() (ProviderInterface, error) {
 		Logf("The --provider flag is not set.  Treating as a conformance test.  Some tests may not be run.")