Citizens Advice response to Ofgem’s Regional Energy Strategic Plan policy framework consultation
We welcome the opportunity to respond to this consultation on the policy framework for RESPs. Broadly we are in agreement with the proposed framework and believe that it will enable the RESP to support coordinated development of the distribution system, enable long-term investment to be made with confidence and reflect regional variations.
However there are two areas of concern we would highlight:
There needs to be greater clarity on where the responsibility for community engagement and input into the development of the RESP lies. Without this, community engagement could be uncoordinated and result in duplication of efforts by network operators and democratic actors.
There will be a wide variation in the resource available for democratic actors to engage in the RESP development process. We agree that it is not appropriate for Ofgem to indirectly provide funding to support local authorities, but recognise that action will need to be taken by government. If this risk is not mitigated effectively it could result in consumers experiencing a postcode lottery in regards to democratic representation in the development of the RESP.