Metro mayors back creation of regional energy system plans

Local leaders representing almost a third of the UK’s population have backed Ofgem’s proposals for regional planning reform, the regulator has revealed.

A policy summit with representatives from areas such as Greater Manchester, Liverpool and London, was recently hosted by Ofgem’s chief executive Jonathan Brearley and sought to accelerate local planning reform to help achieve the UK’s net zero targets.

It follows an announcement last month that the Future System Operator (FSO) will be tasked with creating a series of Regional Energy Strategic Planners (RESPs) across Great Britain.

These new bodies will work with organisations at a local level to create strategic plans setting out how energy systems in each locality should be developed to meet national net zero targets, while also taking into account local needs and resources.

During the roundtable, which included representatives from the Electricity System Operator (ESO), attendees discussed how new regional planning roles will help bring together the current patchwork approach to planning.

Ofgem described the ongoing discussions as “a significant step forward” in local energy system planning reform.

“They will give mayors the opportunity to guide how the RESP roles are designed to deliver trust and local buy in, and share insights and best practice and challenges from their region,” the regulator added.

The attending mayors were:

• Andy Street, Mayor of West Midlands Combined Authority;
• Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region;
• Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire;
• Jamie Driscoll, Mayor of North of Tyne;
• Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

Councillor Gerald Cooney also attended as deputy for Greater Manchester’s mayor, Andy Burnham, while London’s Deputy Mayor Shirley Rodrigues attended on behalf of Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.

Jonathan Brearley, chief executive at Ofgem, said: “Metro mayors have set out ambitious plans to meet every region’s net zero targets, and we must work together to make sure we can deliver cleaner, greener energy to every city, street, home and business in every corner of Great Britain.

“We’re working hard to create a modern energy system by ending unacceptable delays to renewable power and halving the time to build new transmission networks. The new RESP roles will end the patchwork approach to energy planning by defining tailored regional strategies so mayors can unlock investment, create green jobs, cut through planning red tape, and speed up the building of vital energy infrastructure.

“The creation of the Future Systems Operator will provide a once in a generation opportunity to design an energy system that works for everyone, and I look forward to collaborating with leaders from across Great Britain in the future to transform the way energy is planned and delivered at a local and national level.”

North of Tyne mayor Jamie Driscoll said: “COP28 is happening right now. International cooperation is essential if we are to tackle the climate crisis. We also have to work together as a region. That means industry, regulators, regional and national government all getting round the table to find solutions that reduce emissions and lower energy bills for households and businesses.

“A Regional Energy System Planner which dovetails with our net zero plans could bring great benefits to the region – breaking down silos and unlocking our green potential. Boosting our renewable energy, reducing bills and upgrading our electricity grid cannot wait – the time to act is now.”

Councillor Cooney, Greater Manchester’s lead for infrastructure, said: “We welcome Ofgem’s proposals to establish Regional Energy Strategic Planners especially given their commitments today to include democratic accountability by supporting and building upon the advanced work already underway across Greater Manchester to achieve our target to be carbon neutral by 2038.”