There will be one each for Scotland and Wales and nine covering English regions from the North East to the South West.

The aim is simple.

Understand local priorities then build a whole-system plan that links electricity, gas and future low carbon infrastructure so regions can grow without hitting grid bottlenecks.

NESO says the plans will identify what kit is needed, where it should go and when it must be delivered. They will feed into the wider national strategy and help accelerate upgrades to distribution networks as demand surges.

Julian Leslie, Director of Strategic Energy Planning and Chief Engineer at NESO, said: “To achieve the ambitions of every part of Great Britain and make the right choices to meet our future energy needs we need regional energy strategic plans that can reflect local priorities across every nation and region.”

The final methodology will land in summer 2026 after approval from Ofgem and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

NESO will then begin drafting the first set of plans with councils, network operators, consumer groups and other stakeholders.

NESO says regional planning will be vital to securing affordable clean energy and unlocking economic growth.

It wants communities to help design a system that works for them rather than have decisions dictated from the centre.

The consultation runs from now till 16 January 2026.