You could say, there will be no RESPite in our campaign for better local energy planning.
As the only network representing 117 cross-party local leaders committed to ambitious climate action, we've been closely involved in shaping this framework, submitting detailed recommendations to Ofgem's consultation process last year.
The decision contains several positive elements. The recognition of "place-based" approaches as a guiding principle aligns with our long-standing advocacy for local leadership in energy planning. The establishment of Strategic Boards with local authority representation for each RESP region creates a mechanism for local voices to be heard. Most importantly, these Boards will have sign-off authority for RESPs, giving local leaders real influence over the outcome.
We also welcome the requirement for public consultation on each RESP and the commitment to provide proportionate support to local authorities. Having championed inclusive community engagement through our Local Climate Engagement programme, we know how vital this is for developing plans that work with, and for, local communities.
However, critical gaps remain that could undermine the effectiveness of this new framework.
Most significantly, the decision doesn't explicitly recognise Local Area Energy Plans (LAEPs) or provide a clear framework for how they will feed into RESPs. As we highlighted in our "Local Net Zero 2.0" report, LAEPs are a data-driven, evidence-based approach to defining decarbonisation pathways for specific local areas. Analysis shows they could reduce costs by over two-thirds while almost doubling bill savings compared to one-size-fits-all national plans.
The Welsh Government has shown what's possible by funding LAEPs for all local authorities in Wales. This creates a comprehensive framework where local plans inform national strategy – exactly the approach we've advocated for.
Another concern is the lack of dedicated, non-competitive funding for local authorities to develop LAEPs in England. Ofgem say this is a matter for the government, and we agree — but Ministers remain tight lipped on the issue. Without the funding, many councils will struggle to participate effectively in the RESP process, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities in capacity and expertise between different areas. The areas most in need of energy system transformation could be least equipped to influence it.
As we stated in our Navigating the Net Zero Energy Transition toolkit, the evidence underscores that embracing local energy and climate initiatives not only drives emissions reduction, but also unlocks growth, and adds societal value, positioning local authorities as pivotal actors in maximising local benefits.
Last week’s decision also leaves questions about what local authority representation on Strategic Boards will look like in practice. Ofgem states that "only a proportion hold a seat on the Strategic Board," which could limit direct input from many local authorities.
We're committed to working with the Government, Ofgem, NESO and local authorities to ensure the RESP framework empowers rather than constrains local energy planning and decision-making.
This means continuing to advocate for a national framework for LAEPs with dedicated non-competitive funding. It means engaging with the representation mechanism for Strategic Boards to ensure all local voices are heard. And it means offering our expertise to support effective implementation.
As our Local Net Zero 2.0 report argued, we are at a pivotal crossroads. With the first transitional RESPs due by January 2026 and full plans by 2027, we have a narrow window to get this right. By building a coherent energy planning framework that truly empowers local action, we can accelerate the transition to a clean, secure and fair energy system.
UK100 stands ready to support our members in navigating this new landscape. We're ready to make the LAEP forward needed to ensure communities' voices are heard in shaping our energy future. No RESPite indeed – only renewed determination to create the local energy planning framework we truly need
