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..

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 & 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

Government consultation

Following the government’s Decision Notice, a modification to the Balancing and Settlement Code will be implemented by the Secretary of State using modification powers under Section 245 of the Energy Act 2023, enabling Elexon to formally assume the new role.

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