How Ofgem, NESO, DESNZ, the SSEP and the Planning and Infrastructure Bill Remove Democratic Control From Britain’s Energy System

Summary

Britain is facing a profound, unprecedented shift in how national infrastructure is planned and approved.The combination of:the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP)the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.Ofgem’s new connections framework.NESO’s “Gate 1/Gate 2” centralised approvals.creates a system where unelected bodies can dictate the shape of entire regions , without parliamentary approval, local consent, or democratic accountability.This is the most significant centralisation of power in modern energy planning, yet Parliament has not voted on the SSEP, and the Bill accelerates and strengthens Whitehall’s ability to impose infrastructure without local agreement.

Key Issues for MPs

1. SSEP — A National Energy Map With No Vote.The SSEP will decide:

where power stations go

where wind and solar “zones” are imposed

where pylons, substations and interconnectors are built

which regions carry the burden of Net Zero

The SSEP has no statutory parliamentary approval, yet will govern Britain’s energy system for decades.

2. NESO Now Decides Which Projects Are “Needed”

NESO decides whether a project qualifies for a firm “Gate 2” offer based on internal modelling of “need”, aligned with Clean Power 2030 and Net Zero. Not local priorities, affordability or security.Local MPs, councillors and communities have been completely removed from the process.

3. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

Centralises Power Further.The Bill:expands central government powers to designate “critical national infrastructure”reduces local rights to object.accelerates compulsory land acquisition.shortens or removes public inquiries.strengthens National Policy Statements over local plans.When combined with the SSEP, the Bill allows the state to impose infrastructure on any community in Britain, with minimal local recourse.

4. Ofgem Has Raised Barriers to Legal Challenge.By allowing Distribution Network Operators to recover costs from challengers, Ofgem has effectively discouraged judicial review , weakening democratic accountability in planning decisions.

5. MPs Have Been Side-lined.Parliament has not voted on:the SSEP.

The NESO Gate structure.

The redefinition of “needed” infrastructure.

The new central planning powers that determine land use for decades.A major constitutional shift is happening without parliamentary scrutiny.

Why MPs Must Act.

This framework:centralises unprecedented power in Whitehall and quangos,overrides local authorities,exposes communities to unwanted infrastructure.increases energy bills.creates legal and constitutional imbalance.risks Britain adopting a “Chinese-style” planning model.This is too great a change to proceed without democratic legitimacy.

What MPs Should Demand Immediately

1. Full Parliamentary Debate and Approval of the SSEP.

No national land-use plan should be implemented without a vote in the Commons.

2. Amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.Restore local rights, require parliamentary oversight, and strengthen democratic safeguards.

3. Statutory Community Consent Requirements.Any major energy infrastructure must be subject to local consent or an equivalent democratic process.

4. Transparency Obligations

NESO, DESNZ and Ofgem must release modelling, costs, and assumptions driving decisions.

5. A National Review of Energy Governance

Reassess the role of quangos such as NESO, Ofgem and the CCC in determining national strategy.

Conclusion

The combination of the SSEP and the Planning and Infrastructure Bill represents a historic shift of power away from Parliament and the British people.If not challenged now, Britain will have a centrally planned energy and infrastructure system run by unelected officials , not elected representatives.MPs must act urgently to restore democratic oversight.