The National Energy System Operator (NESO) is seeking views on a transitional Regional Energy Strategic Plan (tRESP) in a consultation open until 3 November.
The regional energy strategic planning (RESP) role is a new one and it will change the way that electricity and gas distribution networks are planned in GB.
Eleven regional energy strategic plans (RESPs) will be produced (for Scotland, Wales, North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, North West, East Midlands, West Midlands, Central England, East, Greater London, South East and South West). The plans will be used as key inputs to the business plans for the electricity and gas distribution network companies. The aim is to ensure that energy networks are supporting the delivery of local and national ambitions for economic growth and net zero.
The transitional RESP is focussed on supporting the next round of electricity distribution network operator (DNO) business plans, for 2028-2033, also known as the ED3 price control. In order to fit with the timescales for the development of the DNO plans, NESO has to publish tRESP by the end of January 2026.
The tRESP also has to act as a bridge between the current approach to local energy network planning, and the new RESP approach. The first set of full RESPs will be published by the end of 2027.
NESO said it has consulted with 2000 stakeholders since March. Julian Leslie, Director of Strategic Energy Planning and Chief Engineer at NESO, said: “The transition to a clean and affordable energy future will bring new and exciting opportunities to every part of Britain – and NESO wants to make sure the infrastructure is in place, where and when communities and businesses need it.
“So, wherever you live we want to hear your thoughts. That way our transitional regional energy plan can be best tailored to your anticipated future energy needs, helping inform future investment in your local electricity network, and growing your local economy.”

The consultation page is here