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
11:59pm on 18 February 2026
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 will publish 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
SSES: Proposals on load control
licence regulations and licence conditions
DRAFT: The Electricity Act 1989
(Load Control Licence) Regulations 2026
DRAFT: Standard conditions of
Load Control Licence
Load control licence:
consultation stage impact assessment
Ways to respond
Respond online
or
Email to:
sses.licensing@energysecurity.gov.uk
Write to:
SSES Load Control Licensing Team
Energy Systems and Networks Directorate
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
7th Floor
3-8 Whitehall Place
London
SW1A 2AW
