Local Energy Strategy in Chile

Launched in 2015, Chile’s Local Energy Strategy (Estrategia Energética Local) is a pioneering initiative under the Energy Community Programme led by the Ministry of Energy of Chile. It empowers municipalities to co-develop tailored energy strategies that reflect local needs, resources, and priorities. The program aims to decentralize energy planning, promote sustainability, and reduce energy poverty through community-driven solutions.
 

The strategy seeks to:
• Strengthen local energy governance by involving municipalities and citizens in decision-making
• Promote renewable energy and energy efficiency at the community level
• Reduce energy gaps and poverty, especially in underserved regions
• Build technical capacity among local actors for long-term energy planning
• Align local actions with national climate and energy goals
 

Participating municipalities receive technical and financial support for:
• Conduct energy diagnostics and map local energy consumption
• Engage stakeholders through workshops and consultations
• Develop a Local Energy Strategy document outlining goals, actions, and timelines
• Implement pilot projects such as solar installations, efficient lighting, or community energy education
The process is highly participatory, ensuring that strategies reflect the unique social, economic, and environmental context of each community.
 

Target Audience
The program is designed for:
• Municipal governments across Chile
• Local communities, including residents, businesses, and civil society groups
• Regions with high energy vulnerability or limited access to clean energy
 

Since its inception, the Local Energy Strategy program has supported dozens of municipalities in creating actionable energy plans. It has led to tangible improvements in energy access, efficiency, and community awareness. The initiative is recognized as a model for participatory energy planning in Latin America and contributes to Chile’s broader goals of decarbonization and social equity.
 

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  Countries impacted:
  

  Chile
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  Geographical scale:
  

  Regional and Local
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  Energy poverty phase:
  

  Diagnosis
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  Intervention type:
  

  Data collection

  Regulation
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  Professionals involved:
  

  National government

  Civil society organisation

  University/ Research center

  Non-governmental organisation
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  Type of funding:
  

  Local funds, citizens funds and private financing of Local Energy Strategy, part of the Energy Community Programme
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  Website:
  Case website
• SDGs addressed: