The Regional Energy Strategic Planner (RESP) briefing guide has been designed for local authorities and other regional stakeholders who want to know more about Ofgem’s proposed RESP policy framework.

The RESP represents a significant shift to a more strategic and place-based approach for energy system planning and governance, with the goal of better enabling regional Net Zero ambitions.

The guide was produced as part of Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living programme, for the 52 local authorities that are being supported by the programme to overcome the non-technical barriers for Net Zero. It gives an overview about what the RESP is, and what it means for local authorities and other key regional energy system stakeholders.

Strategic energy planning for Net Zero

Following a consultation in summer 2023, in November 2023, Ofgem announced the development of Regional Energy Strategic Planners (RESP). The RESP is proposed to be up to 13 new bodies across Great Britain to work with local government and local energy networks to coordinate strategic energy and infrastructure planning. The RESPs will be delivered by the new National Energy System Operator (NESO).

The RESPs will help address concerns that energy capacity is holding back delivery of local Net Zero plans by enabling more strategic planning in local and regional energy infrastructure. Boundaries are yet to be confirmed but are expected to align with political (rather than energy network) boundaries.

The plans for the RESP mark a significant change in local and regional energy governance, as RESPs will support more strategic cross-vector planning of the energy system to ultimately enable local authorities and other stakeholders to better deliver local Net Zero ambitions.

The report covers:

• Introduction to the RESP
• How the RESP represents a step change in local and regional energy governance
• Critical areas for RESP development, including function, governance, and boundaries
• What resources and support the RESP might provide for local authorities.