The Smart Secure Electricity Systems (SSES) Programme is a government programme to establish technical frameworks, governance, and policies to securely unlock consumer-led flexibility (CLF) in the domestic-scale market, empower consumers to save on energy bills and enable the scaling of competitive and trusted CLF markets.
The programme will establish a robust set of technical and security frameworks to regulate how energy smart appliances (ESAs) communicate, how load controllers and flexibility service providers manage household flexibility, and how cyber security, grid stability and consumer protections are maintained. These frameworks will support the UK’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan by enabling millions of ESAs to respond to price signals and grid needs, helping consumers shift their usage to cleaner, cheaper electricity and reduce their energy bills.
Nominations are now open for Smart Secure Electricity Systems (SSES) Technical Governance Group (TGG) and Security Governance Group (SGG) election candidates. …
Background to the SSES programme
The Smart Secure Electricity Systems (SSES) Programme is a UK government initiative (led by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) building technical and regulatory frameworks for Energy Smart Appliances (ESAs) like EV chargers, heat pumps, and batteries, to create a flexible grid, reduce costs, and meet net-zero goals by managing electricity demand smartly, ensuring security, and protecting consumers.
It introduces rules for load control licensing, cybersecurity, and device standards, enabling consumers to save money by shifting energy use to off-peak times.
Key Goals
- grid flexibility – manages peak demand by shifting energy use from Energy Smart Appliances (ESAs) like EV chargers, heat pumps, and battery storage
- consumer benefits – allows consumers to save money by participating in flexible tariffs and rewarding them for shifting consumption
- security and standards – establishes robust cybersecurity and technical standards for these devices to ensure interoperability and reliability
- Net Zero support – aims to decarbonize the UK’s electricity system, supporting clean energy goals by optimizing grid capacity
Costs
All SSES costs will be treated as BSC Costs, accounted for separately from other activities.
Government Decision Notice
On 28 November 2025 the Government announced its decision for Elexon to deliver the SSES Programme Enduring Governance role. Following the government’s Decision Notice, the Balancing and Settlement Code was amended using powers under Section 245 of the Energy Act 2023, enabling Elexon to formally assume the new role.