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.

It should contribute to electricity system decarbonisation in a way that protects consumers and the electricity system, and as such is a key enabler for consumer-led flexibility that will help consumers make energy bill savings.

To provide a regulatory foundation for the growth of the energy smart appliance (ESA) market and protect the interests of consumers, we plan to introduce regulations on ESAs. These regulations will: 

• establish a smart mandate for electric heating products in scope
• incorporate, with some planned amendments, The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021
• implement a set of minimum requirements in relation to smart functionality, cybersecurity and grid stability for ESAs in scope

We are consulting on draft first phase ESA regulations and the accompanying Initial Impact Assessment. 

The consultation is open to anyone to respond, but it will primarily be of interest to:  

• energy and technology companies
• energy smart appliance manufacturers and importers, and trade bodies
• flexibility service providers and load controllers
• consumer and environmental groups
• innovators, and third-party intermediaries in energy

Read our consultation privacy notice.

This consultation is part of a series from the SSES Programme including: 

• a consultation on proposals for Tariff Interoperability that will introduce an obligation on electricity suppliers to make pricing data available in a standardised format - closes to responses on 20 January 2026
• forthcoming consultations from government on proposals for draft load control licence regulations and licence conditions, and from Ofgem on licence implementation - with responses due in February
• a government response to a consultation on the proposals for industry-led SSES enduring governance

It builds on the policy proposals in the 2024 Delivering a Smart Secure Electricity System consultation and its government response.