A national framework for local energy planning is needed in order to prevent a net-zero “postcode lottery”, research from Citizens Advice has warned.
The charity’s new report, Look before you LAEP, explores issues with local area energy plans (LAEP) and found there is an inconsistent approach to planning across the UK.
Based on a study conducted by Blue Marble Research the report highlights how 300 local authorities across the UK have declared climate emergencies and a third have developed strategies or have action plans in place to deliver net zero between 2030 and 2050.
However there is no single definition of a local area energy plan and there are “significant differences” in the various plans about the role of the energy sector.
Ultimately it identifies four common types of plan that are considered to be or have elements of a local energy plan including a climate action plan, regional energy strategy, local development plan and innovation project.
Dhara Vyas, head of future energy services at Citizens Advice, said without national coordination there is a risk of a “postcode lottery” in which some people pay more or miss out on programmes to improve their homes solely because of where they live.
The report focuses on three key areas:
- Governance
Governance varies a lot in local area energy and while a mixed approach can be useful, it can make finding who is responsible for delivering the different elements of local area energy plans difficult.
This makes it hard to understand when and how decisions are going to be made and/or how the plan will be put into action.
Without some level of consistency in how approaches to local plans are governed, there is no way to ensure the right partners and agencies such as the local energy network are included in the planning process.
- Engagement
Local authorities have struggled to engage with their communities in a meaningful way. Furthermore when they have consulted using traditional methods, they tend to attract disproportionately white, older and more affluent citizens.
Time is also a limiting factor in reaching a diverse group of citizens and is seen as the primary barrier to more widespread engagement – younger audiences are much less likely to take part in face-to-face consultations.
Plans looked at by the charity are not always clear about which organisation is responsible for different aspects of engaging with local people and key stakeholders. Often there is nothing in place to encourage aligning approaches, sharing learning or accountability when it comes to engagement.
- Cost
There are concerns about a lack of information and transparency about the costs of plans. The charity says it is essential people know how they are contributing and what they might expect in return.
Financial figures attached to climate action plans and regional strategies vary between local areas and are usually broad estimates for achieving dec