The new Smart Secure Electricity Systems (SSES) Security Governance Group (SGG), which will operate from Autumn 2026, will bring together experts from across the energy sector to protect consumers and their data, maintain trust and safeguard the system by managing cyber and system security risks.
As defined in the SSES Governance Framework document, the SGG will advise the Government and regulators on the cyber security and system security arrangements needed to safely support Consumer-Led Flexibility (CLF).
The SGG will operate as a subcommittee of the Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC) Panel, with Elexon providing governance and secretariat support.
Elected SGG members should be prepared to undergo an appropriate level of security clearance. This clearance is subject to change depending on how the functions and activities of the SGG evolves.
The detailed Terms of Reference for the SGG, covering its functions, duties, objectives, membership and decision-making arrangements, is set out in the SSES Governance Framework Document.
The group will oversee and maintain the security frameworks and guidance that apply to Load Controllers and other SSES Participants, and will provide recommendations to the Government and regulators where changes are needed.
The Security Governance Group will consider matters such as:
- cyber security requirements and good practice for load control
- security risk and threat assessments
- assurance approaches that provide confidence in compliance
- how security requirements evolve as technology and markets develop
- how security incidents or emerging risks should be escalated .
Some discussions may involve sensitive or confidential information. Where this is the case, the group will operate appropriate confidentiality arrangements while maintaining transparency wherever possible.
The group will help make sure that the security arrangements underpinning smart energy systems are robust, by:
- developing and maintaining SSES Security documents and guidance documents, which may include CLF security architecture, security requirements and organisational and device-level requirements
- assessing whether the SSES Security Framework remains proportionate, risk-based and aligned with policy set by the Government and regulatory requirements. As well as periodically review the SSES Security Framework against the SSES Objectives
- monitoring the CLF ecosystem and landscape and updating security requirements, or proposing updates to DESNZ/Ofgem-owned documentation where appropriate
- supporting Ofgem with assessing the cyber security evidence provided as part of load control licence applications, as well as ad hoc cyber security advice and support to the sector, DESNZ and Ofgem
- supporting Ofgem with the monitoring, compliance and assurance regime for organisations in scope of the load control licence
- monitoring grid stability developments and producing any supplementary guidance to support licencees
- preparing a confidential annual State of the sub-Sector report for CLF, to feed into Ofgem’s wider STate of the Sector report
- establishing and overseeing sub–groups to explore specific issues in more detail or to support wider engagement with expert stakeholders.
The group will bring together technical expertise from across the sector, including representatives from:
| Six LCs / Flexibility Service Providers (FSPs) | Elected |
| Three ESA Providers | Elected |
| Two Distribution Companies | Elected |
| One consumer member | Non-elected |
| NESO | Non-elected |
| DESNZ | Non-elected |
| Ofgem | Non-elected |
The group will be led by an independent Chair, to ensure discussions are well-run, balanced and evidence based. Initially, the group will be chaired by a Government-appointed chair to support continuity from the existing working group to the SGG.
Elexon does not make security policy decisions but enables the group to operate effectively within the agreed Governance Framework, supporting the Government and Ofgem on security considerations regarding ESAs and LCs.
SGG nominations timeline and process
Nominations will open for SSES SGG election candidates on 1 June 2026 and will remain open until 17:00 on 19 July 2026. Nominations submitted after this date will not be accepted.
| Nomination window open | 1 June – 26 June 2026 |
| Nominees complete candidate nomination forms | 29 June – 10 July 2026 |
| Nominated SGG election candidate list published | 27 July 2026 |
Who can be nominated as a SGG candidate
We are seeking nominations for the following types of SGG member:
| Number of positions | Type of member | Definition |
| Six | Load Controller / Flexibility Service Provider | A person whose main skills and experience are in relation to load control activities / A person whose main skills and experience are in relation to flexibility service provider activities. |
| Three | Energy Smart Appliance (ESA) Provider | A person that is subject to obligations in respect of ESAs under energy smart regulations (as defined in section 238(7) of the Energy Act 2023). |
| Two | Distribution Company | A network, or network operator, authorised to be operated by the holder of an electricity distribution licence. |
How the nomination process works
SGG members will be appointed via election and must first be nominated as a candidate. Anyone can nominate a candidate, and there is no limit to the number of nominations you can submit. Self-nominations are also allowed.
After receiving your nomination, we will contact the candidate to confirm they:
- are willing to be put forward for election as an SGG member
- understand and acknowledge the duties and responsibilities of being an SGG member, including that their appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of paperwork relating to their impartiality, independence from their employer and confidentiality
- possess the skills and experience necessary to become an SGG member
- reasonably expect to have sufficient capacity to fulfil the role for the forthcoming two-year period (we estimate the role may require input of 25 days per year)
We will also request nominated candidates provide information to aid the election process, including a short biography and CV.
If a candidate is elected as a SGG member, they will need to confirm in writing that they will act impartially and independently, providing advice and feedback in a manner intended to meet the SSES objectives, not their employer or core stakeholder group. The candidate will also need to confirm in writing they will comply with the confidentiality and disclosure requirements established under the SSES Governance Framework Document. Elected SGG members should be prepared to undergo an appropriate level of security clearance (currently BPSS or equivalent). This clearance level is subject to change depending on how the functions and activities of the SGG evolves.
Members will not be remunerated for their time. However, Elexon will cover expenses and indemnify SGG members against any costs or liabilities incurred whilst acting in their capacity as SGG member.
Candidates must be experienced cyber security professionals with the capacity, expertise and skills needed to fulfil the duties and functions of the SGG. Members will assist with:
- Monitoring the CLF ecosystem and landscape and updating security requirements, or proposing updates to DESNZ or Ofgem owned documentation where appropriate
- Maintaining Threat and Risk Assessments and Systems-Theoretic Process Analysis Systems-Theoretic Process Analysis documents
- Maintaining Trust Modelling and CLF Security Architecture documents
- Supporting development of Cyber Assessment Framework and proposing changes to DESNZ or Ofgem where appropriate
- Developing accompanying guidance alongside organisational and device requirements
- Supporting Ofgem with assessing the cyber security evidence provided as part of load control licence applications
- Supporting Ofgem with the monitoring and compliance regime for organisations in scope of the load control licence
- Producing an annual State of the sub-Sector report for CLF, to feed into Ofgem’s wider State of the Sector report
- Monitoring grid stability developments and producing any supplementary guidance to support licensees
- Providing ad hoc cyber security advice and support to the sector, DESNZ and regulators where appropriate.
Desirable skills and experience include:
- technical expertise – strong understanding of ESAs, security standards, cyber security measures, interoperability and governance frameworks; understanding of how flexibility markets and distributed energy resources impact network security and operational resilience; experience in risk, threat and architecture assessments; and deep experience of the sector for which the nomination relates (Load Control, Flexibility Service Provider (within the load control category), ESA Provider, Distribution Company).
- stakeholder engagement skills – good communicator with proven ability to collaborate in multi stakeholder environments and work towards consensus
- governance and analytical skills – ability to exercise sound judgement and evidence-led reasoning when assessing potential changes to security frameworks.
Security Governance Group candidate nomination form
SGG election timeline and process
Voting for preferred SGG candidates will open on Monday 27 July 2026. Only registered organisations will receive the election pack and be invited to vote. It is still possible for organisations to register to vote in the upcoming elections. Please note, registrations requests must be received by 10 July at the latest and are limited to one individual per organisation who will vote on behalf of their organisation.
| Voting window opens for eligible organisations | 27 July – 7 August 2026 |
| SGG election results published | 21 August 2026 |
If you are a Load Controller, Flexibility Service Provider, Energy Smart Appliance (ESA) Provider or a Distribution Company you are eligible to register as a SSES participant and vote in the upcoming elections.
- see further details on the eligibility requirements and process
- check the SSES participant register to see if your organisation has already registered to vote.
Visit our registration page to register as a SSES participant and vote in the upcoming elections.