New guide to local energy flexibility opportunities

28 January 2026

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 has been designed to provide 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.

As the UK shifts to a cleaner, more renewables-led energy system, it is argued that flexibility presents a growing opportunity for local authorities. It allows councils and households to shift when they use, generate and/or store electricity, helping manage local networks and unlocking new revenue streams. 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.

The guide (Unlocking Flexibility: A Guide for Local Authorities) was created with input from both local authorities and flexibility providers, making sure it reflects real experiences from across the community. It 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.

Sarah Kerr, energy systems lead at Oxfordshire County Council, comments: 

“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.”

Photo caption: UK100 and UK Power Networks DSO at a recent UK100 parliamentary reception