NESO has published a first-of-its-kind transitional Regional Energy Strategic Plan (tRESP) to support strategic energy planning across Great Britain.
The operator said the plan will inform network investment proposals by distribution network operators as they prepare business plans for the 2028-33 price control period.
NESO added that the plan draws on engagement with customers and stakeholders across all nations and regions to identify local ambitions and the electricity infrastructure needed to meet them.
The plan also highlights areas where proactive network investment could enable delivery of local projects, it stated.
Julian Leslie, director of strategic energy planning and chief engineer at NESO said: “This is a key moment in the delivery of strategic energy planning that will shape Great Britain’s energy future and create a blueprint for the delivery of future local, regional and national energy needs.”
He added: “We have worked with customers and stakeholders at all levels to develop this transitional Regional Energy Strategic Plan, to help electricity distribution networks identify the right areas for investment as they develop their next business plans.”
Energy minister Michael Shanks said: “This is a major milestone in modernising our electricity grid to ensure we have the right infrastructure in the right places to power homes and businesses across the country, supporting our clean energy mission.”
Energy secretary Gillian Martin said: “We welcome NESO’s publication of the transition Regional Energy Strategic Plan today as an important first step in the creation of a more regionalised energy system.”
Rebecca Evans, Welsh government cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning said: “Wales urgently needs investment in energy networks to support a more prosperous Wales.”
Jack Presley Abbott, deputy director for strategic planning and connections in energy systems design and development said: “The publication of the transitional Regional Energy Strategic Plan is an important step toward creating a more strategically planned energy system at a local level.”
Lawrence Slade, ENA chief executive said: “Networks are committed to working with NESO and taking full advantage of the opportunities its role as a regional energy strategic planning coordinator presents to accelerate the long-term development of the grid and unlock the wider economic and social benefits of the clean power transition.”