Effective local energy planning starts with diagnosing barriers to progress before choosing an approach. More modelling isn’t always the answer; clarifying delivery roles, enabling collaboration through innovative platforms and attracting investor interest can be more effective in accelerating progress.
For many of us, it’s a natural instinct to think we need deeper analysis, more evidence or a crystal-clear vision before we make bold decisions.
Figuring out a path to decarbonise an entire region’s energy needs quickly, while global markets, national policy and public perceptions continually shift, is a decision that involves many tough calls.
Thankfully, few of us have to make these decisions single-handedly. However, for many of us involved in local energy planning, we’re asked to develop plans, research options and assess progress towards this ambition.
We often reach for complex models, hoping to find the answers. But sometimes, on reflection, this approach doesn’t quite unlock the action we hoped it would.
Over the last few years, we’ve spoken with many local authorities about how they’ve approached strategic local energy planning, hearing what’s worked, what hasn’t and what they’re doing next. Our findings are captured in a range of reports and webinars, including Best Laid Plans, Investing in Places and Turning LAEP evidence into delivery.
This summer, we drew on these insights and our first-hand experience of working with numerous energy system actors on network demand forecasting to help local authorities across the Midlands Net Zero Hub area region identify their next steps.
In the context of stretched teams, anticipation of Regional Energy System Plan (RESP) demands and uncertainty about local government reorganisation, we evaluated approaches to strategic energy planning.
Our key message? Step back and diagnose what’s really needed to unlock action, right now in your area, before jumping to commission more modelling (assuming funds are available).
We identified five approaches that address different needs within local authorities navigating the energy transition, recognising that the most pressing barriers vary between places and over time.
Often, funding and team capacity are fundamental constraints. Therefore, the five approaches are presented in order of increasing resource intensity and greater reliance on external specialists.
Why do it? Increases the likelihood that Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) account for local needs by surfacing significant, well-developed plans each year, drawing on existing council data, such as new development planning data. Often, this process is already happening through DNOs’ Distribution Future Energy Scenarios (DFES) and conversations with regional engagement teams.
Drawbacks: inconsistent data inputs and submissions may not reflect wider stakeholder priorities or policy ambitions.
Why do it? Increases the visibility of projects within LA using the LAEP+ tool or similar and maps the potential impacts of projects on the electricity network. This enables quick testing of ideas and better coordination and data exchange between different council teams, stakeholders and DNOs.
Drawbacks: relies on existing project ideas, training and ongoing support, and accurate data inputs. Currently, submissions to the DNO only inform high-level network forecasts.
Why do it? Identifies and promotes opportunities, either as a standalone strategy or as part of an economic strategy, to send a positive signal to investors. It focuses resources on developing clear action plans and convening the relevant stakeholders. Examples include strategies for Devon, Dorset and Somerset.
Drawbacks: risks favouring projects backed by vocal champions, rather than aligned with strategic needs, and developing plans in silo. Ongoing engagement is crucial for the strategy to reach investors and influential stakeholders.
Why do it? Uses existing energy system scenario modelling (by NESO and DNOs) and focuses on action planning to clarify council roles and the steps towards delivery. Plans may be sector-specific and developed in a prioritised order. The process aims to achieve better integration between energy planning and other council strategies and services. Examples include the West Midlands Regional Energy Strategy and South West early-stage LAEPs. We explain the principles behind this flexible approach in Best Laid Plans.
Drawbacks: the process doesn’t result in an independent evidence base and the RESP isn’t expected until the end of 2028 (in the meantime, DNOs’ DFES modelling can be used). As an iterative process, it requires continuous commitment of staff time.
Why do it? Uses whole-system energy modelling to determine the optimal sequencing of interventions (preferred pathway) and to develop a stronger strategic vision. Taking a comprehensive view helps articulate and evidence the scale and pace of change needed by 2050 and provides a starting point for further project identification. Following an established methodology can help build engagement and buy-in.
Drawbacks: an expensive, lengthy process due to intensive technical modelling, yet it remains difficult to capture real-world complexities. The realities of project delivery are considered only at a high level, with further development required to build project pipelines.
Taking time to discuss with colleagues and leaders what’s hindering progress may reveal that our natural instincts to reach for more detailed long-term modelling might not be quite what’s needed.
Instead, investing time in defining delivery roles, improving local coordination or engaging with businesses could be more directly beneficial for achieving a clean energy future at pace, while continuing to engage in the complex energy system forecasting undertaken by others, such as DNOs and NESO.
In truth, a combination of approaches is likely to be needed.
For more details on any of the approaches outlined, get in touch with Anna (acuckow@regen.co.uk).
To move forward, stepslocal authorities can take are:
At our next Local Government Energy Network Forum on 19 November 2026, we’re bringing together local authorities taking contrasting approaches to local energy planning for a panel discussion. We’ll discuss how to get the most out of the process, whatever approach is being taken.
Register to join us. It’s free and exclusively for localauthorities across the UK.
