Audience: Local Government

How can councils help shape the energy infrastructure needed to support housing, regeneration and local growth?

Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESP), led by the National Energy System Operator (NESO), introduce a new regional layer of energy planning across England, Scotland and Wales. They will help shape where and when energy infrastructure investment takes place, with significant implications for local growth and decarbonisation ambitions.

With NESO inviting participation in RESP Strategic Boards and Working Groups, this guide helps local and combined authorities consider what they need to put in place to take an effective role in regional energy planning.

Drawing on interviews with local authorities, it sets out practical approaches to:

• establishing clear governance, responsibilities and decision-making
• coordinating priorities and representation across a region
• using local evidence to influence infrastructure planning
• building capacity and sharing expertise
• aligning energy investment with local growth and decarbonisation priorities.

An accompanying executive summary provides a concise overview for senior leaders and elected members, explaining why RESP matters, the risks of limited engagement and the organisational arrangements needed to respond effectively.

The guide was funded by West Midlands Combined Authority and draws on learning from the Planning Regional Infrastructure in a Digital Environment (PRIDE) project.

UPDATED – 21 September 2026 – Greenhouse Gas Accounting Tool 

The Greenhouse Gas Accounting Tool has been developed by Local Partnerships in collaboration with the Local Government Association (LGA) to provide councils with a straightforward and consistent approach for calculating their carbon baseline and annual emissions reporting. 

For assistance and feedback, please email ghgaccounting@localpartnerships.gov.uk

How can locally generated renewable energy deliver greater benefits for Welsh communities? In this webinar, Grant Peisley and James Dunbar explore practical approaches to local electricity supply and how they can help reduce energy costs, improve returns for generators and retain economic value locally.

Overview

The session covers three supply models: behind-the-meter systems, private wire arrangements and licence-exempt supply. Through practical examples, including Cardiff Council’s Lamby Way solar farm, it explores the opportunities and considerations for each approach, how to choose a model suited to your project, and the support available through Ynni Cymru, a Welsh Government programme delivered by Local Partnerships.

The Local Energy Supply Guides from Ynni Cymru are available in English and Welsh and provide practical, accessible information to help organisations explore local energy supply opportunities and make better use of locally generated renewable energy. The guidance covers the key regulatory, commercial and technical considerations involved in developing local energy supply projects, helping organisations understand the options available and assess potential approaches.

The guides cover Behind-the-Meter Energy Systems, Private Wire Energy Systems and Licence Exempt Electricity Supply. They explain how each model works, the opportunities it may offer, and the factors organisations should consider before progressing a project. The guidance is designed for organisations interested in developing local energy projects or making better use of locally generated renewable energy, including SMEs, voluntary and charitable organisations, community energy organisations, renewable energy developers, local authorities, public sector bodies and others exploring local energy supply opportunities.