City Science has submitted a formal response to NESO’s consultation on the draft methodology for Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESPs).
We see the development of RESPs as an important milestone in the evolution of energy system planning across Great Britain. If implemented well, RESPs have the potential to provide a clearer link between national objectives, network planning, and place-based delivery – helping to support Clean Power 2030, net zero by 2050, and the ambitions of local authorities across the UK.
City Science has delivered Local Area Energy Plans (LAEPs) across England and Wales, supported the national rollout of LAEPs in Wales, and worked with Scottish local authorities on Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (LHEES). Throughout this work, we regularly engage with distribution network operators (DNOs) and NESO to ensure local plans align with wider system planning processes.
Our consultation response focuses on areas where RESPs can best support effective delivery on the ground. This includes the role of local authorities in governance, recognising LAEPs and LHEES as key evidence inputs, welcoming the need for a whole-energy and multi-vector approach, and ensuring strategic investment and network planning assurance processes are well aligned with place-based plans.
We are supportive of the overall direction of the RESP methodology and welcome NESO’s openness to collaboration and iteration, particularly in these early cycles. As the RESP process develops, we look forward to continuing to contribute as a practitioner in local and regional energy planning, helping to ensure national and regional strategies are grounded in deliverable, evidence-led local pathways. Read our full response below.
If you are either:
- Considering developing a Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP).
- Progressing or updating a Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES).
- Looking for help aligning your plans with emerging regional or network-led processes such as RESPs.
- Seeking evidence-led support across energy, transport and carbon planning.
Please get in touch with us at info@cityscience.com.