New local energy flexibility opportunities
A new guide to help local authorities scale up local energy flexibility programmes has been launched today by UK100, UK Power Networks Distribution System Operator (DSO) and the Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE).
The new Unlocking Flexibility guide provides local authorities with a practical, easy to understand introduction to how energy flexibility works and the benefits it can unlock.
It outlines the assets councils can use, the markets they can access, and the simple steps needed to get started, whether acting directly through their own estate or enabling flexibility across their communities.
Flexibility allows councils and households to shift when they use, generate and/or store electricity, helping manage local networks and unlocking new revenue streams.
As the UK shifts to a cleaner, more renewables-led energy system, flexibility presents a growing opportunity for local authorities. It has an important role to play in balancing supply and demand. Local authorities are being supported to take advantage of these opportunities through the guide – a practical way to reduce costs, generate income and support local Net Zero plans.
This resource highlights the dedicated support available from UK Power Networks DSO, including one-to-one discussions, events, webinars, and guidance through the Localflex platform, plus digital planning tools such as LAEP+ and ChargePoint Navigator which help councils build long-term, locally-tailored energy strategies.
The guide was created with input from both local authorities and flexibility providers, making sure it reflects real experiences from across the community, is practical, down to earth and genuinely helpful for anyone getting started.
The guide, launched at UK100's Lunchtime Learning webinar this week, features UK Power Networks DSO, ADE and Shuffle Energy. You can access the guide here: Unlocking Flexibility: A Guide for Local Authorities.
Sarah Kerr, energy systems lead, at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “It’s refreshing to feel that the voices of local authorities have genuinely been listened to and reflected in this work.
“Cutting through the jargon in the flexibility space can be challenging, so having a guide that speaks our language — and creates a space we can genuinely inhabit alongside network operators — is invaluable. The focus on both how councils can participate directly in flexibility markets and how we can enable others to do so is crucial in helping us unlock the full potential of local energy systems.”
Published: 28/01/2026
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The new Unlocking Flexibility guide provides local authorities with a practical, easy to understand introduction to how energy flexibility works and the benefits it can unlock.
It outlines the assets councils can use, the markets they can access, and the simple steps needed to get started, whether acting directly through their own estate or enabling flexibility across their communities.
Flexibility allows councils and households to shift when they use, generate and/or store electricity, helping manage local networks and unlocking new revenue streams.
As the UK shifts to a cleaner, more renewables-led energy system, flexibility presents a growing opportunity for local authorities. It has an important role to play in balancing supply and demand. Local authorities are being supported to take advantage of these opportunities through the guide – a practical way to reduce costs, generate income and support local Net Zero plans.
This resource highlights the dedicated support available from UK Power Networks DSO, including one-to-one discussions, events, webinars, and guidance through the Localflex platform, plus digital planning tools such as LAEP+ and ChargePoint Navigator which help councils build long-term, locally-tailored energy strategies.
The guide was created with input from both local authorities and flexibility providers, making sure it reflects real experiences from across the community, is practical, down to earth and genuinely helpful for anyone getting started.
The guide, launched at UK100's Lunchtime Learning webinar this week, features UK Power Networks DSO, ADE and Shuffle Energy. You can access the guide here: Unlocking Flexibility: A Guide for Local Authorities.
Sarah Kerr, energy systems lead, at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “It’s refreshing to feel that the voices of local authorities have genuinely been listened to and reflected in this work.
“Cutting through the jargon in the flexibility space can be challenging, so having a guide that speaks our language — and creates a space we can genuinely inhabit alongside network operators — is invaluable. The focus on both how councils can participate directly in flexibility markets and how we can enable others to do so is crucial in helping us unlock the full potential of local energy systems.”
Published: 28/01/2026
Back to news