Source · Select Committees · Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Acknowledged
Expedite Secretary of State decisions and draft SSEP publication to protect public engagement timeline.
Recommendation
To protect the time allocated for public engagement and consultation on the draft SSEP, without compromising NESO’s deadline to publish the final SSEP in December 2026, there can be no delay to: • NESO’s presentation of the SSEP pathway options to the Secretary of State; • The Secretary of State’s selection of a pathway option; or • NESO’s preparation for the consultation and community engagement activities. The draft SSEP should be published for consultation by the end of February 2026 at the very latest and earlier if possible. The Secretary of State should decide upon the chosen SSEP pathway in sufficient time to enable this. (Recommendation, Paragraph 63) Nature positive approaches to energy infrastructure
Government Response Summary
The government states that NESO is already undertaking extensive engagement, with the public consultation for the SSEP to be published in 2026. However, it does not specifically commit to avoiding delays in pathway selection and presentation or to publishing the draft SSEP by the recommended deadline of February 2026.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
NESO is undertaking extensive engagement on the SSEP which is already underway, ahead of the public consultation which will be published in 2026. NESO is conducting societal engagement through various means including focus groups and questionnaires. We are committed to a planning process that effectively balances national infrastructure needs with local community interests. The amendments to the NPSs reinforce this commitment. The government agrees that a comprehensive engagement strategy is critical for the effective development and public acceptance of strategic energy plans. The government published the National Infrastructure Commission’s (NIC) report ‘Anticipate, engage, deliver: Local consent and the energy transition’ on 25 October 2025 which made recommendations to government, regulators, and industry on how to improve community engagement. The government will formally respond to the NIC’s recommendations in Spring 2026. However, the government has already committed to ensuring community benefit in its Clean Power 2030 Action Plan which sets out plans to maximise the benefits to communities from energy projects. In addition, the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will strengthen developer engagement with communities and local authorities, enabling the government to set requirements around consultation, engagement, and effective dispute resolution for nationally significant infrastructure projects.