The new Smart Secure Electricity Systems (SSES) Technical Governance Group (TGG), which will operate from Autumn 2026, will bring together experts from across the energy sector to maintain a technical framework to support interoperability for Energy Smart Appliances (ESAs). This will include the management of the GB Interoperability Companion Specification currently being developed by the Government.
The TGG will advise, inform, and support the Government and regulators on these requirements, enabling consumers in Great Britain to participate in flexible electricity services and save on their energy bills.
The TGG will operate as a subcommittee of the Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC) Panel, with Elexon providing governance and secretariat support.
The detailed Terms of Reference for the TGG, covering its functions, duties, objectives, membership and decision-making arrangements, is set out in the SSES Governance Framework Document.
The group will support Government in designing the technical and commercial requirements to support interoperability. Once these requirements are established, the group is expected to take over their ongoing maintenance: providing recommendations to Government and regulators when updates are needed and supporting or performing specific activities as required by the Government or Ofgem.
The group may also support compliance with the requirements: e.g., through managing product lists and associated standard versions.
The Technical Governance Group will consider matters such as:
- the maintenance of the GB Interoperable Consumer-led Flexibility (CLF) Companion Specification (CS)
- how technical standards work together across devices and systems
- whether new technical documents should be added to the SSES framework
- how changes to standards may affect consumers, ESA Providers, Load Controllers and Distribution Companies
- how assurance approaches can provide confidence that interoperability requirements are being met
- establish and oversee any sub-groups to explore specific issues, on a standing basis, for a fixed period or specific purpose .
The group will also maintain a log of questions and answers on the CS, that will act as a knowledge base and help identify the need for changes to the CS.
The group will bring together technical expertise from across the sector, including representatives from:
| Three Energy Smart Appliance (ESA) Providers | Elected |
| Three Load Controllers (LCs) / Flexibility Service Providers (FSP) | Elected |
| One Distribution Company | Elected |
| Up to two consumer members | Non-elected |
| NESO | Non-elected |
| DESNZ | Non-elected |
| Ofgem | Non-elected |
| Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) | 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 TGG.
NESO and the consumer members are eligible to vote but are non-elected. Elected group members can vote and are the Distribution Company, ESA, LC and FSP members.
TGG nominations timeline and process
Nominations will open for SSES TGG 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.
Timeline
| Nomination window open | 1 June – 26 June 2026 |
| Nominees complete candidate nomination forms | 29 June – 10 July 2026 |
| Nominated TGG election candidate list published | 27 July 2026 |
Who can be nominated as a TGG candidate
We are seeking nominations for the following types of TGG member:
| Number of positions | Type of member | Definition |
| 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). |
| Three | 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. |
| One | Distribution Company | A network, or network operator, authorised to be operated by the holder of an electricity distribution licence. |
How the nomination process works
TGG 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 a TGG member
- understand and acknowledge the duties and responsibilities of being a TGG 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 a TGG 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 TGG 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 in the SSES Governance Framework, 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.
Members will not be remunerated for their time. However, Elexon will cover expenses and indemnify TGG members against any costs or liabilities incurred whilst acting in their capacity as TGG member.
Candidates must be experienced professionals with the capacity, expertise and skills needed to fulfil the duties and functions of the TGG. Members will assist with:
- developing and maintaining the technical framework supporting interoperability of ESAs, including the GB Interoperability Companion Specification and other technical documents
- overseeing the procedures for managing Issues and Change Proposals raised in relation to the technical framework
- monitoring standards alignment
- supporting Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) assurance activities as required
- coordinating with other standards and governance bodies.
Desirable skills and experience include:
- technical expertise – strong understanding of ESA communication protocols and the principles for unlocking ESA interoperability, 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 technical frameworks.
Technical Governance Group candidate nomination form
TGG election timeline and process
Voting for preferred TGG 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 open for eligible organisations | 27 July – 7 August 2026 |
| TGG 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.