The SSES 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.
Governance Framework
The SSES Governance Framework sets out the enduring governance arrangements for smart secure electricity systems in Great Britain. It outlines how the technical and security requirements underpinning SSES will be maintained, updated and overseen. It defines the roles and responsibilities of the SSES Technical Governance Group and the SSES Security Governance Group. It also establishes the decision-making processes applicable to these groups.
Committees and groups
SSES Security Governance group
Responsible for cyber security and grid stability standards, security risk and threat assessments, security requirements, and assurance processes for load controllers and ESA manufacturers.
SSES Technical Governance group
Responsible for maintaining the technical frameworks, including the interoperable companion specification, technical architecture design, and related documents that ensure devices can work seamlessly across the system.
Elexon's role
Elexon will establish, administer and support two new, industry-led governance groups. These groups will initially be constituted as BSC Panel subcommittees, but their status will be reviewed and aligned to the final position of Ofgem’s Energy Code Reform.
Elexon will support the SSES Technical Governance and SSES Security Governance groups by:
- providing secretariat and administrative support
- facilitating open and inclusive sector-wide engagement, ensuring participation from manufacturers, load controllers, standards bodies, consumer organisations, regulators and Government
- managing nomination and voting processes for group membership, ensuring balanced and transparent representation across sectors
- managing the chair selection process for both groups
- procuring and overseeing specialist services, including technical or security testing where required
- bringing technical insight and advisory input to the programme, ensuring decisions are informed by robust analysis and practical implementation considerations
- working with the government and regulators on change processes, including consultations on updates to the companion specification and other SSES programme artefacts
- supporting assurance and compliance processes, including receiving annual Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) assessments for load controllers as required under the future licensing regime
- ensuring the sectors impacted can participate in SSES governance, as required by the new BSC arrangements
Background information
Government Decision Notice
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.