Open consultation

Smart Secure Electricity Systems (SSES) Programme: draft load control licence regulations and conditions

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Summary

We're seeking views on the proposed regulations, including the licence conditions designed to protect consumers and the electricity system.

This consultation closes at

Consultation description

The Smart Secure Electricity Systems (SSES) Programme aims to unlock domestic-scale flexibility through the use of energy smart appliances (ESAs), such as domestic electric vehicle charge points, heat pumps and battery energy storage systems (BESS).

These appliances enable organisations to manage the electricity demand of consumers who participate in load control, helping to create a more flexible and efficient energy system. It is a key enabler for consumer-led flexibility that will help consumers make energy bill savings.

To support this transition, government is proposing a new load control licence framework. The consultation outlines:

  • proposed regulations and licence conditions for managing load control on domestic-scale ESAs
  • our approach to licensing requirements within a regulatory framework that ensures fairness, transparency and cybersecurity

This consultation builds on the proposals outlined in the 2024 Delivering a Smart Secure Electricity System consultation and its government response, which defined licensable activities and the obligations of licensees.

Anyone is welcome to respond, but the consultation will be of particular interest to:

  • energy and technology companies
  • flexibility service providers
  • load controllers
  • consumer advocacy groups
  • trade associations
  • network operators
  • academic institutions

In parallel, Ofgem has published a separate implementation consultation addressing licence applications, as well as the monitoring, compliance, and enforcement of licence obligations.

Read our consultation privacy notice.

This consultation and the draft regulations form part of an interlinked set of SSES Programme policies including:

Documents

Ways to respond

or

Email to:

sses.licensing@energysecurity.gov.uk

Write to:

SSES Load Control Licensing Team
Electricity Systems and Networks Directorate
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
7th Floor
3-8 Whitehall Place
London
SW1A 2AW

Updates to this page

Published 10 December 2025

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