The Transitional RESP, or tRESP, was published in January 2026 with the aim to inform the network investments by electricity distribution network operators (DNOs) between 2028-2033.

It includes:

• The final tRESP report
• Executive Summary (also in Welsh)
• tRESP Explainer (also in Welsh)
• tRESP Consultation feedback report  
• tRESP FAQs
• tRESP launch webinar recording and slides (webinar held on 30 January 2026).

Many local authorities submitted information on upcoming projects into the tRESP process, however for the enduring RESP, the process is likely to be different. However, to improve understanding, it’s recommended that local authorities:

• Review tRESP outputs and methodology updates.
• Participate in consultations, webinars, and forums.
• Assess implications for local plans and strategies.

Key questions:

• How do tRESP outputs compare with our Local Plan and Climate Strategy?
• Are there differences in growth, demand, or electrification assumptions?
• How might RESP updates impact our spatial strategy?
• What feedback should we provide to NESO?

In Summer 2026, the Strategic Boards and Working Groups are being set up.

Role:

• Confirm interest in joining Strategic Boards, forums, and thematic working groups.
• Coordinate internal input across multiple forums.
• Represent local priorities in regional discussions.

Key questions:

• Are we represented on Strategic Boards or Working Groups and how do we ensure our evidence and information is incorporated effectively?
• How do we coordinate input across teams?
• Should we establish an internal RESP coordination group?
• How do we ensure our priorities are reflected regionally?

NESO will be collating data and evidence for the enduring RESP throughout 2026. It’s recommended that local authorities review the updated methodology, when available, and are clear what data and evidence is likely to have the greatest impact.

Role:

• Prepare and submit data for RESP modelling.
• Participate in validation workshops.
• Ensure consistency and quality of data.

Key questions:

• What data is required (housing growth, EV uptake, heat decarbonisation, industrial plans)?
• Are our datasets compatible with NESO requirements?
• What is available through NESO’s Local Actor Support and how can this help us?
• How do we validate and assure data quality?
• How do our timelines align with RESP data requests?

NESO has proposed approximately quarterly Forums, Strategic Boards, and Working Groups throughout the development process of RESP. Therefore, there are many opportunities to engage and understand the development process of RESP and provide feedback. Key activities for local authorities include:

• Review pathways, spatial context, and investment needs.
• Provide structured feedback through governance forums and regional RESP teams.
• Align RESP outputs with local priorities and outputs such as Local Plans and Spatial Development Strategies.

Key questions:

• Do RESP pathways align with our Local Plan and growth ambitions or is there something missing?
• Are grid constraints affecting development sites?
• Are infrastructure investments aligned with economic priorities?
• Are decarbonisation assumptions consistent with local plans?

The final RESPs for all the Regions and Nations is due to be published by the end of 2028, however, draft versions will be available ahead of this date for review by local authorities.

Local authority suggested actions:

• Review final RESP outputs and integrate into policy and planning.
• Brief senior leadership and members.
• Use RESP to inform decision-making.

Key questions:

• How do RESP outputs align with our Local Plan and spatial strategies?
• What changes are required in response?
• How will RESP be embedded into decision-making?
• Who needs to be briefed internally and externally?
• Will NESO support with briefings?

The RESP process has been designed with significant engagement from local authorities to help capture local-level information. Local Actor support from NESO is being defined to help with this, however, it’s likely that local authorities will need to allocate resources to engage effectively.

Role:

• Allocate resource across governance, technical, and engagement activities.
• Maintain ongoing RESP participation.

Key questions:

• Do we have sufficient capacity to engage effectively?
• How should effort be distributed across teams?
• How do we maintain continuity over time?
• What support can we access from NESO Local Actor Support?

Indicative time commitment (estimated by Energy Systems Catapult):

• Strategic Boards: ~8 days/year
• Working Groups: ~18 days/year
• Forums: ~2 days/year
• Internal coordination: ~10 days/year

Total: ~38 days/year (across multiple staff for a local authority with a representative on the Strategic Board and engaging in three of the Working Groups).