The Energy & Utilities South Action Group, chaired by Shaun Stevens, celebrated its one-year milestone with strategic updates on regional energy planning.
Jessica Lewis (Southampton City Council) provided an update on local and national energy planning. The first Regional Energy Strategic Plan (RESP) will be published in 2027, with an interim version — the Transitional RESP (T-RESP) — currently being drafted ahead of consultations starting later this year. Data-driven planning, supported by tools like LENZA, will be essential in guiding future infrastructure for EV charging, heat networks, solar, and retrofit targets.
Austin Toone (SSE) showcased the LENZA tool, used by 77% of local authorities to map grid capacity and constraints, helping align local development with energy infrastructure. Gavin Hall (Savills) outlined the Vision Document to the group ahead of the Mayoral elections in May 2026. The Vision Document will be a feature in all Action Group meetings coming up.
Drafts of the Energy and Water Strategy papers will be shared by the end of July. The next meeting will potentially include a site visit to the InstaVolt charging station in Winchester – the UK’s largest ultra-rapid EV superhub.
