Strategic energy planning (SEP) publications, consultations and updates

Final CSNP methodology

The final methodology for the CSNP was approved by Ofgem on 15 April 2026. This document explains the process that the CSNP will follow, and the roles and responsibilities of those involved. Supplementary information and feedback from the summer 2025 consultation can be found in the appendices document.

CSNP methodology CSNP methodology appendices

Ofgem have published their CSNP methodology approval decision letter which can be read on their website. 

Ofgem letter

We have also created an explainer document to serve as an easy to understand summary of the methodology and how we will deliver the CSNP, designed with non-technical audiences in mind.

CSNP explainer document

CSNP draft methodology

This version of the document was published and consulted on in summer 2025.

View CSNP draft methodology document

View CSNP draft methodology appendices document

If you have any additional questions, please contact us.

SSEP, CSNP and tCSNP2 Refresh methodology publications and consultation – December 2024 to January 2025 are now closed.

To ensure our plans are robust and that stakeholders are given a voice from the start of these processes, we consulted on a series of draft methodologies and outputs. We launched three publications for consultation:

• The Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) draft methodology, which sets out the principles and method for delivering the SSEP.
• The Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP) high level principles, which will underpin the methodology for the CSNP.
• The transitional CSNP2 (tCSNP2) Refresh methodology, which is a refreshed version of our interim network planning approach.

A supporting document was also published that explains how our strategic energy planning deliverables interact with each other and with wider NESO activities.

We have made these publications as accessible as possible to all interested parties. Due to the subjects covered, the content is at times detailed and technical. Beyond this consultation, there will be further opportunities to engage through the development of these plans and their outputs

Document library

Considerable and effective engagement is pivotal to ensuring that the plans we produce are robust, deliverable and reflect a variety of views. Below you will find information on our engagement activities:

SEP Industry Working Group

Input from industry stakeholders will help to shape and influence the development of our strategic energy plans. The SEP Industry Working Group has been established as a core channel to co-ordinate and align engagement across SEP projects. We have given careful consideration to memberships to ensure the bodies in the group give a voice to a cross-section of the industry.

The group has representation from across the energy industry, including electricity and gas networks, developers, trade associations and representative bodies and supply chain. The full terms of reference, which include a list of the members, can be found in the document library.

We are also carrying out a programme of strategic engagement such as one to one meetings to discuss specific topics or issues.

Document library

NESO have been commissioned by the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments to create a Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) for the energy system, land, and sea, across Great Britain (GB). 

The first of its kind in GB, the SSEP is a critical step in accelerating and optimising GB’s energy transition. You can read more about how NESO will develop and deliver the SSEP, including our approach to governance, in our draft methodology.

Given the scale and potential impact of the SSEP, the commission outlined the minimum governance structure required to support its development. This governance will ensure that throughout the process, we have engagement with, and input from, the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments and Ofgem. The governance meetings will provide advice and guidance to NESO, ensure oversight and accountability from government, and facilitate key stakeholder feedback.

Below you can find information about our key external governance groups, and summaries of their activities which we will publish quarterly:

Document library