Elexon to deliver Smart Secure Electricity Systems Programme Enduring Governance role

Elexon’s role

Elexon will establish and manage industry-led groups to develop these standards, supporting consumer-led flexibility and helping deliver the government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan.

Elexon’s new role will involve:

• Establishing industry-led SSES Technical and Security Governance Groups, as BSC Panel subcommittees, responsible for maintaining technical and security standards for energy smart appliances and load controllers and providing any recommendations for changes to Government and regulators. Each group will have its own independent Chair.
• Managing these groups, which will include representatives from across the energy sector, load controllers, manufacturers, standards bodies, consumer organisations, regulators, and government. Elexon will provide Secretariat support to ensure effective collaboration across the sector.

Elexon will start preparing for the role following the modification to the BSC taking effect from 5 December. The governance arrangements will go live from mid-2026, at which point the Technical and Security Governance Groups we establish will begin operating.

Peter Stanley, Elexon’s Chief Executive, said:

“We are proud to be entrusted with delivering the enduring governance of the SSES Programme. By unlocking flexibility from energy smart devices, such as EV chargers and heat pumps, we can help deliver a smarter, more efficient electricity system that works for consumers. This is a key step towards Clean Power 2030, helping to decarbonise the grid, as well as deliver energy bill savings.

“The transition to net zero is at the heart of what we do, and we look forward to using our expertise to ensure SSES technical and security frameworks are maintained and respond to market developments, enabling greater flexibility across the energy system, driven by consumers.”

ADE: Demand’s Flexibility Policy Officer, Michelle Fryzuk, said:

“We welcome the decision to entrust Elexon with the enduring governance of the Smart Secure Electricity Systems Programme.

“Clear, consistent and secure market frameworks are essential as flexibility becomes an ever more central part of our energy system. Elexon’s leadership in this space as the market facilitator will help give industry the clarity it needs to innovate and ensure consumers benefit from a more resilient and efficient electricity system.”

Background to the SSES programme

The SSES Programme is establishing the technical and security frameworks needed to unlock flexibility from energy smart appliances, like electric vehicle smart charge points and heat pumps, ensuring interoperability, providing consumer protections, maintaining cyber security and protecting grid stability.

This will encourage consumer adoption of smart devices, which will be able to respond dynamically to time-of-use tariffs and flexibility signals from the grid, enabling consumers to shift electricity usage to times when supply is cleaner, cheaper and more abundant, and away from peak periods. The SSES Programme supports the growth of consumer-led flexibility, which is key to achieving the government’s Clean Power 2030 target.

In August, the government signalled its intention for Elexon to deliver the enduring governance arrangements for the SSES Programme and has now confirmed that decision.

Following the government’s Decision Notice, a modification to the Balancing and Settlement Code will be implemented by the Secretary of State using modification powers under Section 245 of the Energy Act 2023, enabling Elexon to formally assume the new role.

Consultation documentation

• Smart Secure Electricity Systems Programme (SSES): enduring governance

Help and support

If you would like to know more about the Smart Secure Electricity Systems Programme Enduring Governance role , please contact Elexon Communications Team at [email protected].