{"word_count": 192, "character_count": 1382}
The Local Dimension of Energy / Scott Kelly and Michael Pollitt. Electricity Policy Research Group, Jan. 2011,  33 p.  (EPRG working paper ; 1103.)http://www.eprg.group.cam.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/EPRG11031.pdfIn this paper, we postulate that some of  the best opportunities for reducing energy demand and carbon emissions  are through stronger involvement and leadership from local government.  We show that local government can and do have a significant impact on  both energy production and energy consumption and are important  participants for the implementation of distributed generation (DG). the  progress being made by successful local governments can be narrowed to  three key factors. First, they have all recognised the co-benefits of a  local energy strategy: a reduction in fuel poverty, increased  employment, improved quality of life and mitigation of uncertain fuel  supplies and prices. Secondly, successful councils have strong political  leadership and employee support to implement the structural change to  bring about change. Thirdly, leading councils have gained momentum by  working in partnership with utilities, private companies, NGO’s, DNO’s  and government departments to raise finance and garner support. While  climate change remains a global issue, some of the best strategies for  mitigation are implemented at the local level. (© authors)