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 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 network pressures and unlock new revenue streams for them.As the UK shifts to a cleaner, more renewables-led energy system, flexibility presents a growing opportunity for local authorities. has an important role to play in balancing supply and demand.

Local authorities are being supported to take advantage of these opportunities in local flexibility 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, as well as digital planning tools such as LAEP+ and ChargePoint Navigator which help councils build long-term, locally tailored energy strategies.

This guide was created with input from both local authorities and flexibility providers, making sure it reflects real experiences from across the community. By involving the people who use and deliver flexibility services, we’ve made the guide practical, down‑to‑earth and genuinely helpful for anyone getting started.

The guide launched at UK100's Lunchtime Learning webinar on 27 January 2026, featuring UK Power Networks DSO, ADE and Shuffle Energy.

You can access the guide here: Flexibility Guide for Local Authorities

Sarah Kerr, energy systems lead, 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.”

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Photo caption: UK100 and UK Power Networks DSO at the UK100 Parliamentary Reception with Minister White in December 2025. Full resolution photos available here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/o1huJjerC6LgNnFg8

For further information please contact UK Power Networks press office on 0330 159 1712.

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Lynne McDonald, head of local net zero at UK Power Networks, said: “Local authorities are central to building a smarter, cleaner and more resilient energy system. Through our partnerships with UK100 and ADE, this guide gives councils the practical tools, support and confidence they need to unlock flexibility - helping them cut costs, generate new revenue and accelerate progress towards local net‑zero goals. Through our partnerships with UK100 and ADE, this guide gives councils the practical tools, support and confidence they need to unlock flexibility - helping them cut costs, generate new revenue and accelerate progress towards local Net Zero goals. By working together, we can make flexibility accessible to every community.”

Christopher Hammond, chief executive of UK100, said: “Local authorities are increasingly at the forefront of the energy transition. This guide, co-produced with UK Power Networks and ADE, gives councils the practical support they need to unlock flexibility — cutting costs for residents, generating revenue, and driving down energy bills for households and businesses across their communities

Aaron Gould, chief executive officer of ADE said: The transition to net zero demands a genuinely demand-led energy system – one shaped by local needs, local assets and local decisions. As energy policy increasingly relies on local insight, flexibility gives councils a powerful opportunity to lead, cutting costs, unlocking new income and delivering wide-ranging social and economic benefits for their communities.

Sheryl French, Cambridge Climate Ltd, said: “Identifying a problem is one thing, but mobilising organisations to find solutions that make a difference is another. This is what UK Power Networks DSO, UK100 and ADE have achieved. Bringing together local authorities to discuss flexibility services and the barriers to participation has highlighted changes to the way things are done, to make it easier for councils to start on their flex journey.”

About UK Power Networks DSO

UK Power Networks owns and runs the cables and substations which deliver electricity from the national grid to 8.5 million homes and businesses across London, the South East and East of England, serving approximately 20 million people. As the country’s biggest electricity distributor, it has invested more than £8 billion in its electricity networks since 2011, focusing on safety, network reliability, and customer service. It also innovates to care for vulnerable customers, keep costs low and help enable decarbonisation. The company is five-time winner of Utility of the Year (including 2025), rated second in the UK’s Top 25 Best Companies to Work For, and holds Investors In People’s Platinum status. If you have an issue with your power, there are many ways to get in touch including freephone 105 and @UKPowerNetworks UKPN Distribution System Operator (DSO) - UKPN DSO

About UK100

UK100 is the only network of ambitious local, regional and strategic authorities led by all political parties working together to tackle climate change. We help local leaders overcome challenges and turn innovation into solutions that work everywhere. We build the case for the powers needed to make change happen. From cities to villages, we help communities across the UK create thriving places powered by clean energy, with fresh air to breathe, warm homes to live in, and a healthy natural environment. UK100.org

About the partnership

UK100 and UK Power Networks DSO won Strategic Partner of the Year at the Utility Week Awards 2025. The award recognised two years of collaboration delivering practical tools for local climate action, including the Local Area Energy Planning Toolkit, joint webinars reaching over 100 councils, and events bringing together more than 200 local leaders with energy sector partners.

About the Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE)

ADE is the leading industry association championing an efficient, low-carbon, demand-led energy system across the UK. www.theade.co.uk

How flexibility works in practice

Councils can earn indicative annual revenues of approximately £65 per 7kW EV charger, £35 per heat pump, and £240 per 4.8kW battery through flexibility services. Actual revenues depend on location, asset availability and market conditions.

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