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Until recently, strategic planning of energy systems such as electricity, gas, and hydrogen has been done separately.

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Regional Energy Strategic Planning (RESP) is a new national process to develop integrated energy plans for 11 regions and nations of Great Britain.

These plans, known as RESPs, will support areas to get the energy infrastructure they need to meet local energy and growth ambitions. RESPs aim to ensure access to reliable, clean and affordable energy.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) is responsible for producing RESPs.

Local area energy planning (LAEP) is a bottom-up, data-driven, and whole-system approach to delivering local energy in a particular area. The outcome should be a costed, co-ordinated, spatial plan which identifies the change needed to local energy systems.

These plans, known as LAEPs, are led by local authorities and developed collaboratively with stakeholders. LAEPs are not a requirement for local authorities, however guidance is available, and many local authorities have opted to create a LAEP based on their local needs and ambitions.

Sometimes these local authority plans are called Local Decarbonisation Pathways, or Local Decarbonisation Plans.

Greater South East Net Zero Hub – Icon: Support lightbulb

Support available from the Greater South East Net Zero Hub

Tailored one-on-one support is available for local authorities considering, or undertaking, a LAEP. The Greater South East Net Zero Hub has supported local authorities to draft specifications for plans, engage stakeholders, and steer projects to completion, as well as providing technical input and review on local energy systems. 

In 2025, we directly supported over 30 local authorities to engage with RESP processes, including support to complete requests for information. In addition, we also have a number of other resources available to everyone, set out on this web page. 

Contact us for more information about the support available

Resources for Local and Regional Energy Planning

Energy planning FAQs

Making Clean Energy Projects Happen in the Greater South East was an event hosted by the Hub in September 2025.

Following the event, we created this guide which answers all the questions asked by delegates on local and regional energy planning, as well as connections reform. 

This “FAQ” guide will be useful for local authorities and other stakeholders that would like to engage with the RESP, as well as those working on, or engaged in, LAEP development.  

View the guide
Ready for RESP

The Local Net Zero Hubs have jointly commissioned the Ready for RESP programme. This supports local authorities to get involved and shape these new whole system energy plans for their region.

Guide 1: Action now on transitional RESP

  • What is the t-RESP and why is it important for local authorities 
  • How to approach requests for information 
  • Support and resources available 

Guide 2: Local decarbonisation planning approaches

  • An overview and benefits of local decarbonisation planning
  • The different approaches and who should be involved
  • Tips to help prioritise the best approach for your needs

Guide 3: Skills and resourcing for local decarbonisation planning

  • Local decarbonisation planning approaches
  • Resourcing and procurement considerations
  • Case studies
Guide 1: Act now on transitional RESP
Guide 2: Local decarbonisation planning approaches
Guide 3: Skills and resourcing for local decarbonisation planning

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