Smart Secure Electricity Systems (SSES) Programme: First Phase Energy Smart Appliances Regulations
This consultation is open for responses
Respond to this consultationSummary
DESNZ proposes mandatory smart functionality for energy smart appliances (ESAs), including minimum requirements for grid stability, cybersecurity, and consumer switching protection. Phase 1 regulations introduce smart mandates for electric heating appliances and consolidate electric vehicle charging point rules into a single ESA framework. Phase 2 regulations, planned for 2027, will add interoperability requirements to prevent consumer lock-in to specific flexibility service providers.
Why it matters
This creates a regulatory framework for demand-side flexibility assets before market structures exist to price their services efficiently. The interoperability requirements protect consumers from FSP lock-in but may increase appliance costs and complexity without guaranteeing that competitive flexibility markets will emerge to justify these investments.
Key facts
- •Phase 1 regulations introduce mandatory smart functionality for ESAs
- •Smart mandate applies to certain electrical heating appliances
- •Phase 2 regulations planned for parliamentary laying in 2027
- •Consolidates EVSCP requirements into single ESA regulatory framework
- •Includes definition of domestic and small non-domestic BESS
Timeline
Areas affected
Related programmes
Memo
We have published the draft SI for the first phase of our Energy Smart Appliances regulations, informed by stakeholder feedback over the 2024 and 2025 SSES Programme consultation cycle. This SI is Phase 1 of our plan to regulate ESAs. This draft SI includes regulations that: * Introduce minimum smart functionality, safety, grid stability requirements, and cyber and physical security requirements for all relevant ESAs. * Make several incremental amendments to EVSCP requirements which will form part of the ESA regulations, thereby creating a single regulatory framework for smart appliances. * Introduce a smart mandate for certain electrical heating appliances. * Introduce a definition of battery energy storage systems (BESS) used in domestic and small non-domestic settings. We will take forward a second phase of legislation later in this Parliament. This second phase will further protect consumers who choose to participate in CLF by ensuring a base level of interoperability, giving consumers the confidence that the ESAs they purchase can be used with different FSPs, should they decide to switch. We currently plan to lay Phase 2 regulations in Parliament in 2027 . These regulations will also be subject to public consultation. This consultation sets out what the draft Energy Smart Appliances regulations aim to achieve and seeks stakeholder views on the extent to which the draft regulations achieve the policy intent set out in the April 2025 government response.