Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing statutory provisions on local area energy planning.

The Government recognises the potential merits of local energy plans, however it is vital that any approach endorsed by government is considered carefully to ensure it is deliverable, cost-effective and aligned with wider policy.

The Government is considering the role of local energy plans, working closely with Ofgem as part of its ongoing governance review into local energy institutions and with other key stakeholders including the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and UK Research and Innovation.