On Thursday 26 February, we hosted a webinar to introduce the Smart Secure Electricity Systems (SSES) governance framework and explain the new industry-led governance arrangements that will support consumer-led flexibility in Great Britain.
What the webinar covered
The session gave insight into SSES governance, offering:
- an introduction to Elexon and our role in supporting industry governance
- an overview of the SSES programme and what our role is
- a walk-through of the SSES governance framework and the two new SSES governance groups, including purpose, functions and responsibilities
- how the SSES governance groups will work, including composition and the nomination and election process
- how the SSES change process will work
- governance group proceedings including meeting arrangements, quoracy and alternates
FAQs from the session
You can download the full Q&As from the webinar below. Here are some of the questions covered:
When will detailed timelines and documents be available?
We will continue to engage with stakeholders as we begin setting up the Technical and Security Governance Groups to provide further information on timelines and when certain documents will become part of these arrangements. The best way to get this information is through the established DESNZ Working Groups or through Elexon’s SSES Newsletter.
How will group chairs and members will be appointed?
Eligible organisations must register to vote in the SSES elections by 27 March 2026.
Nominations for candidates will be invited in spring 2026. Elections will be held in the summer. Appointed members will attend an induction and the first group meetings will take place in autumn.
Does registering to vote in the elections also count as registration as a SSES participant under the governance framework?
Unfortunately not, as there will be additional considerations, but we will look at how we can streamline and rationalise the two registrations.
If an ESA manufacturer becomes a mandated license holder, will they have two votes and be able to propose candidates for both groups?
Yes, if an organisation is classed as a load controller and manufacturer, then they can vote in each category.
Can ESA manufacturers be represented by someone from an industry group (e.g. BEAMA) rather than an individual manufacturer?
Yes, if a trade body representative is nominated and then voted in, they will be eligible to take up the seat.
What are the ‘2nd phase ESA requirements’?
Phase 2 of the ESA regulations will introduce interoperability requirements to increase consumer choice, boost electricity system resilience and support Clean Power 2030. Under Phase 2, all Energy Smart Appliances placed on the GB market will need to follow a mandated Companion Specification (managed by Elexon) that sets out how ESAs communicate, exchange data and respond to load control signals in a standardised way.
When will there be a response to industry’s feedback on the draft SSES regulations (ESA phase 1, Load Control Licensing)?
DESNZ are currently reviewing consultation responses and will ensure that any updates made to policy positions based on these pull through into how the governance groups run.
All Q&As from the webinar
Watch the recording
If you missed the webinar, you can watch the recording or download the slides:
Help and support
If you have any queries, please contact us via Elexon Support.