Energy Systems Catapult welcomes the opportunity to respond to this consultation.

Key points:

• We support the four guiding principles of being place-based, whole systems, vision-led, and proactive. Democratic accountability needs to be embedded within the RESP process. We propose a fifth principle on inclusivity and equality to ensure the RESPs support a just transition.
• It is critical that the RESP enables an adaptive and agile planning approach, which is needed for infrastructure planning under uncertainty.
• It should be recognised the local areas are at different stages of developing local energy plans. It is essential that areas which have not previously had the support to progress such plans are not left behind or without a voice on the Strategic Boards. Equally, those with more progressed plans should be supported to share lessons learned and good practice.
• Ofgem should ensure that individual network companies are incentivised to bring network plans to the RESP that have considered whole system solutions, so that the RESP can focus on identifying residual whole system optioneering, rather than being the only organisation with a responsibility for driving whole system outcomes. This would avoid duplicating effort where a full reconciliation of approaches would otherwise be needed.