Smart Secure Electricity Systems: Implementing the load control licensing regime

Smart Secure Electricity Systems: Implementing the load control licensing regime | Ofgem Please enable JavaScript in your web browser to get the best experience. BETA This site is currently in BETA. Help us improve by giving us your feedback . Close alert: Smart Secure Electricity Systems: Implementing the load control licensing regime Publication type: Consultation Publication date: 10 December 2025 Closed date: 19 February 2026 Status: Closed (awaiting decision) Topic: Cybersecurity, Electricity supply, Electricity transmission Print this page Share the page Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn We are seeking views on our proposed approach to the implementation of the load control licensing regime. Consultation description We are consulting on our proposed approach to implementation of a new licensing regime for load control under the Smart Secure Electricity Systems (SSES) programme, developed in collaboration with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). DESNZ are also consulting on the draft licence conditions and scope of the licence , and we encourage stakeholders to review both consultation packages together for a comprehensive understanding of the proposed regime. The load control licensing regime aims to regulate load control arrangements delivered via Energy Smart Appliances (ESAs) like EV chargers and heat pumps, in order to ensure consumer protection, cyber security, and grid stability. We expect the regulations to come into effect by the end of 2026 and the requirement to hold a licence to undertake load control activity to come into effect by the end of 2027, after a 12-month transition period. We are seeking views on the following documents as part of this consultation package: Smart Secure Electricity Systems: Implementing the load control licensing regime consultation that sets out our proposed approach to operationalising the new licensing regime, including our proposed application process, monitoring and data requirements, and approach to compliance and enforcement Annex C: Draft load control application form which illustrates what evidence prospective licensees will need to provide to apply for a load control licence Annex D: Draft load control consumer protection guidance that provides detailed guidance on the consumer protection measures that licensees will be required to follow Decisions and the outcome of this consultation package will be published on this consultation webpage following the closing of the consultation period. Who should respond We seek feedback from a wide range of stakeholders to ensure our decisions are balanced and well-informed. This includes but is not limited to: prospective licensees consumer advocacy groups industry bodies trade associations any other interested parties How to respond Submit your response by 18 February 2026 by emailing flexibility@ofgem.gov.uk . Consultation documents Smart Secure Electricity Systems: Implementing the load control licensing regime [PDF, 883.15KB] Annex C: Draft load control licence application form [PDF, 583.27KB] Annex D: Draft load control consumer protection guidance [PDF, 273.89KB] Print this page Share the page Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Close