Summary
We're seeking feedback on the SSES Programme's draft Phase 1
energy smart appliances regulations and impact assessment.
This consultation closes at
11:59pm on 5 February 2026
Consultation description
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.
Documents
Smart Secure Electricity Systems
(SSES) Programme: first phase energy smart appliances regulations
- consultation document
Draft: The Energy Smart
Appliances Regulations 2026
Smart Secure Electricity Systems
(SSES) Programme: first phase energy smart appliances regulations
- consultation stage impact assessment
Smart Secure Electricity Systems
(SSES) Programme: first phase energy smart appliances regulations
- consultation document (accessible webpage)
Ways to respond
Respond online
or
Complete a response form and
either
Email to:
SSESConsultation@energysecurity.gov.uk
Write to:
SSES Legislation Team
Electricity Systems and Networks
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
7th Floor 3-8 Whitehall Place
London
SW1A 2AW
