On 28 November 2025, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) announced its decision for Elexon to deliver the Smart Secure Electricity Systems (SSES) Programme Enduring Governance role. The government has published its decision to modify the Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC) to enable Elexon to deliver the Smart Secure Electricity Systems (SSES) Programme Enduring Governance role, overseeing technical and security standards for energy smart appliances and load controllers.
Elexon’s role
Elexon will establish and manage industry-led groups to develop these standards, supporting consumer-led flexibility and helping deliver the government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan.
Elexon’s new role will involve:
- Establishing industry-led SSES Technical and Security Governance Groups, as BSC Panel subcommittees, responsible for maintaining technical and security standards for energy smart appliances and load controllers and providing any recommendations for changes to Government and regulators. Each group will have its own independent Chair.
- Managing these groups, which will include representatives from across the energy sector, load controllers, manufacturers, standards bodies, consumer organisations, regulators, and government. Elexon will provide Secretariat support to ensure effective collaboration across the sector.
Elexon will start preparing for the role following the modification to the BSC taking effect from 5 December. The governance arrangements will go live from mid-2026, at which point the Technical and Security Governance Groups we establish will begin operating.
Peter Stanley, Elexon’s Chief Executive, said:
“We are proud to be entrusted with delivering the enduring governance of the SSES Programme. By unlocking flexibility from energy smart devices, such as EV chargers and heat pumps, we can help deliver a smarter, more efficient electricity system that works for consumers. This is a key step towards Clean Power 2030, helping to decarbonise the grid, as well as deliver energy bill savings.
“The transition to net zero is at the heart of what we do, and we look forward to using our expertise to ensure SSES technical and security frameworks are maintained and respond to market developments, enabling greater flexibility across the energy system, driven by consumers.”
ADE: Demand’s Flexibility Policy Officer, Michelle Fryzuk, said:
“We welcome the decision to entrust Elexon with the enduring governance of the Smart Secure Electricity Systems Programme.
“Clear, consistent and secure market frameworks are essential as flexibility becomes an ever more central part of our energy system. Elexon’s leadership in this space as the market facilitator will help give industry the clarity it needs to innovate and ensure consumers benefit from a more resilient and efficient electricity system.”