The sector’s response to the Local Power Plan

On 10 February 2026, the government launched the Local Power Plan – described as “the biggest public investment in community energy in this country’s history.

Over this parliament, £1 billion will be invested to support local energy projects across the country.

What does this mean?

This funding is designed to unlock even more investment from private and community sources, helping to grow practical, repeatable local energy solutions that work.

The goal is clear: To help the community energy sector grow so that every community has the opportunity, capability and support to take control of its own energy future – and share directly in the benefits.

As the government has recognised, “the cumulative effect could be transformational for our energy system.”

What is the sector saying?

This is a major moment – and people across the community energy sector are talking about it.

On this page, you’ll find:

Links to social media reactions from across the sector
Press coverage and related articles
Thought leadership and expert commentary
A selection of highlighted quotes to give you a flavour of the response

We’ve gathered it all in one place to help you explore the conversation and see what this could mean for communities across the country.

Our response

The sector’s response

Community Energy press mentions

CEE press mentions

Great British Energy sets out Local Power Plan

Quotes

We already know what’s possible: Ashden has supported community energy for over 25 years through the Ashden Awards, our programmes and partnerships including the Energy Learning Network. Community energy creates tangible benefits in our neighbourhoods.

Not the finished article – but a serious shift, and real momentum for the sector.

Will Walker – Ashden

As a leading UK impact investing platform, Ethex sees the Local Power Plan as a practical and proven way to accelerate our renewable generation while engendering public participation and trust.

The current UK energy system means too many communities are excluded from ownership and long-term benefit. The LPP has the potential to change that.

For us, this is not abstract. We have seen what happens when people are invited to invest in the future they want: they show up.

Lisa Ashford, Ethex

First impressions? Sounds good and will hopefully bring much needed, structure, support, investment, and capacity building to the Community Energy Sector.

Excited to see what our local Community Energy organisation Grand Union Community Energy Ltd can do with our local authorities in South West Hertfordshire.

Sarah Burgess, Grand Union Community Energy