A new programme is exploring how neighbours can share and use energy more efficiently together.

UK Power Networks, Community Energy Pathways, Fuse Energy and Energy Systems Catapult, are developing the UK’s first scalable blueprint for community-led flexibility through the Neighbourhood Watts project where homes and businesses team up to use local energy first, such as solar, and shift when they use electricity to avoid peak times.

The project will identify and quantify the full value of community coordination, for networks, consumers and communities, then develop scalable models for how communities across the UK can invest in, and benefit from, flexibility. It will also explore new ways for households to participate in flexibility markets, including those without their own low carbon technologies, ensuring that inclusive tariffs and methods allow everyone to benefit from cleaner, more affordable energy.

Building on the Government’s Local Power Plan, the partners will work closely with policymakers and regulators to address technical and regulatory barriers, building the right frameworks to support long-term growth in community energy.

David Francis, head of investment management and innovation at UK Power Networks, said: “Neighbourhood Watts is an exciting step forward in developing how our energy system operates, putting communities right at the centre. By bringing together local generation, demand and flexibility, we’re aiming to create a blueprint that works at scale and delivers real, lasting value for customers. All while supporting the transition to net-zero, and ensuring the benefits of a smarter, cleaner energy system are shared by everyone.”

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