Community-led local energy plan toolkit
The Scottish Government’s approach to local energy planning is focused on where they have devolved powers: heat and energy efficiency. Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (LHEES) form the basis of planning and delivering local energy systems in Scotland, led by the local council, and involve engaging multiple stakeholders including community groups. There is scope to go beyond this, however, and consider the whole energy system including energy generation, distribution, storage and transport.
There are several different strategic approaches that can be taken to progress plans that encompass the whole energy system available to local energy planning. A community-led approach is one such strategy.
A community-led plan tends to focus on smaller geographical areas but can benefit and support other local, regional, and national strategies. We encourage you to engage with your local council to understand how your plan can integrate into its wider strategic plans.
A guide and toolkit were developed as part of a pilot project to support the development and implementation of four community-led local energy plans.
This toolkit supports the guide which covers every step of the process. We suggest that you read the guide to developing community-led local energy planning before you start moving through the toolkit.
The toolkit has six stages; each stage has additional guidance, templates and examples to help you develop your plan.
Stage 1
Initialising
The first step of developing your Local Energy Plan is to reflect on what’s already known about your community’s energy needs, challenges and opportunities.
Find out moreStage 2
Mobilisation
Next you need to get the local community on board and work out what area the Local Energy Plan will focus on, and what you’re looking to achieve through the process.
Find out moreStage 3
Data Gathering
This stage is all about the detail – using the information and knowledge you have to build a clear picture of local energy use and generation.
Find out moreStage 4
Options Appraisal
Now it’s time to consider your options and start thinking about what changes could be made to help tackle your community’s energy challenges.
Find out moreStage 5
Plan Development
It’s time to write your Local Energy Plan, using all the information you’ve collected and setting out actions to take forward.
Find out moreStage 6
Taking the Plan Forward
Developing your Local Energy Plan isn’t the end of the process – now you need to work out how to put it into practice and make your community’s ambitions a reality.
Find out more