Ready for RESP (Regional Energy Systems Planning): Blog posts and insights - Net Zero Go
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Ready for RESP (Regional Energy Systems Planning): Blog posts and insights

Find out more about Regional Energy Strategic Planning (RESP) from some of the the experts within the industry.

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Ready for RESP: Blog posts and insights

Find out more about Regional Energy Strategic Planning (RESP) from some of the the experts within the industry.


Local communities matter now more than ever in the energy transition

Lynne McDonald, Head of Local Net Zero, at UK Power Networks Distribution System Operator (DSO) (8 July 2025)

Energy planning is no longer the top-down responsibility of energy networks and local communities have an increasingly vital role to play in shaping our Net Zero future.

Lynne McDonald, Head of Local Net Zero, at UK Power Networks Distribution System Operator (DSO) says the future is local and DSOs are developing the digital tools to make a difference.

Helping places benefit from RESP

Dr Anna Stegman, Local Transition Advisor, at Energy Systems Catapult (19 June 2025)

Currently our energy systems – electricity and gas – are planned separately. There is limited integration between energy planning and spatial planning – such as new housing, commercial, and industrial centres.

This fragmented approach limits our ability to target investment effectively and slows down progress toward a Net Zero future.

Why Regional Energy Strategic Plans matter

Chris Brierley, Senior Engagement and Impact Advisor at Energy Systems Catapult (14 May 2025)

The way we plan our energy networks is about to get a major upgrade. Enter Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESPs) – the next big thing in shaping how our communities power their futures.

Done right, these plans could boost local economies, create jobs, and accelerate the UK’s journey to Net Zero. But, like any ambitious project, there are challenges. So, what exactly is RESP, and why should you care? Let me try and break it down.

Why local energy planning matters more than ever

Andrew Wainwright at Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (10 April 2025)

Andrew Wainwright, from SSEN Distribution, sheds light on why local insights are essential and how initiatives such as Local Area Energy Planning (LAEPs).

He explains how the Local Energy Net Zero Accelerator (LNZA) are helping to make a difference.

The essential role of Local Area Energy Plans

Guy Newey, CEO, at Energy Systems Catapult (13 March 2025)

For aficionados of planning-based acronyms in the energy sector, these are halcyon days.

Hot on the heels of the CSNP and HND came the SSEP (recommended by the ENC). Then Ofgem (which is, I guess, a kind of quasi-acronym) mandated NESO to deliver RESPs. “But” I hear the masses cry out. “What about LAEPs? How do they fit in?”

Good question. I’ll explain.

Realising the potential of RESP: Are you ready?

Andrew Clark, Business Leader – Place, at Energy Systems Catapult (3 March 2025)

Network capacity can make or break Net Zero energy projects. With capacity, projects which may result in new demand or generation can go ahead, while without network capacity developments central to realising local economic or Net Zero priorities could be blocked.

The frustration this causes, and rising Net Zero commitments, have strengthened the desire of local areas to influence network infrastructure investment with their priorities.

Regional Energy Strategic Plan (RESP) policy framework consultation

Energy Systems Catapult (8 October 2024)

Energy Systems Catapult welcomes the opportunity to respond to Ofgem’s consultation on the RESP policy framework.

We support the four guiding principles of being place-based, whole systems, vision-led, and proactive.

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