The transition to clean electricity, heat and transport will be cheaper, faster and smoother if it is planned at a local level. 

There are many interdependencies in the transition, particularly joining up between energy generation, transmission and distribution and the electrification of heat and transport. 

Without some degree of planning and coordination, there is a risk of unforeseen blockages and increased costs if one part of the system cannot keep pace with another.

Local planning also opens up an opportunity to make the energy transition simpler and more appealing to people, helping them secure cheaper bills and a better environment. Local energy planning is already happening in many parts of Britain – particularly in Wales and Scotland – but we think it needs to happen everywhere and go into more detail. Our policy brief sets out a case for local energy and heat planning, and what governments in the UK should do to accelerate it. 

Our specific short-term policy recommendations are:

1. Require every area in England to develop local energy and heat plans, and to continue developing them on a rolling basis in England, Wales and Scotland. 
2. In England, form local energy and heat bodies at combined authority or equivalent level. 
3. Provide ongoing funding for local energy and heat bodies, either via energy bills or taxpayer funding.

Read our specific short-term policy recommendations in this policy brief.