Smart Secure Electricity Systems (SSES) enduring governance: Balancing and Settlement Code modification
The Secretary of State has made changes to the Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC) using his power under section 245(1)(e) of the Energy Act 2023.
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The Smart Secure Electricity Systems (SSES) Programme is designed to create the technical and regulatory frameworks to enable the untapped flexibility from small scale devices, such as domestic electric vehicle charge points and heat pumps.
To make sure the technical and security requirements for energy smart appliances and flexibility services continue to meet the evolving needs of industry and government’s policy objectives, we will establish industry-led governance arrangements to manage these considerations and recommend any changes to government and regulators in light of emerging risks and market developments.
We recently consulted on our minded-to position for Elexon to be responsible for SSES Enduring Governance through a modification to the Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC). The government response to this consultation confirms this position.
Section 245(1) of the Energy Act 2023 gives the Secretary of State powers to make modifications to Transmission and Distribution Licences, and the industry codes maintained in accordance with these licences for the purposes of facilitating, promoting, ensuring the security of, or otherwise regulating load control.
In accordance with section 246(1) of the Energy Act 2023, we consulted on a SSES Enduring Governance industry code modification and sought views on proposed amendments to the BSC. We have now published the government response to this consultation.
Taking responses into account, the Secretary of State has made a modification to the BSC as set out in the Decision Notice. The modification extends Elexon’s remit to establish and administer the SSES Technical and Security Governance Groups as subcommittees of the BSC Panel should Secretary of State give such a direction.
The BSC Modification, as set out in the Decision Notice, will take effect from 5 December 2025.