LACES is a programme of support for councils to build community energy capacity across the Greater South East region that unlocks investment, decarbonises buildings, and supports communities in lowering their energy bills and building a people-powered energy system. 

It is funded by the Greater South East Net Zero Hub and delivered in partnership with Community Energy Pathways, Climate Guide and Community Energy England. 

Together, we’re combining our technical and political expertise to build capacity and knowledge within the region to support both local government and community energy organisations to grow the sector and expand the offer from energy efficiency advice to delivering fully community-owned energy projects. 

With limited resources in local government, this free-to-access programme delivered between October 2025 - June 2026 offers councils practical tools and support to break down the blockers preventing collaboration and delivery, including focused online workshops, and an established roadmap for councils to scale up community-owned solar on council buildings and land.

The programme is directly relevant to the current policy context. Great British Energy's Local Power Plan commits up to £1 billion for over 1,000 community energy projects by 2030, and councils that are ready (i.e. those with a strategy in place and a community energy partner identified) will be best placed to access that funding first. The guidance we're developing through this work is designed to help councils get to that position quickly without reinventing the wheel.

Keep your eye on our events page for upcoming opportunities, and get in touch at membership@uk100.org if you have any questions.