Research and analysis

Principles for navigating the social aspects of grid transformation

Principles to support policymakers to consider the social aspects of grid transformation.

From:
Government Office for Science
Published
16 September 2025

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Principles for navigating the social aspects of grid transformation

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Principles for navigating the social aspects of grid transformation pdf

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The principles for navigating the social aspects of grid transformation are a set of 8 principles to consider when developing policy to strengthen and expand the national electricity grid.

As the UK looks to further its move towards net zero, the transformation of our electricity grid is central to delivering clean, secure and affordable energy. These principles support the embedding of social science into the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower and offer a way to unlock the benefits of the clean energy transition. The principles are: 

  1. Engagement should be two-way    
  2. Engagement must start as early as possible and not be one-off    
  3. Place-specific knowledge and emotions should be valued    
  4. The language and framing of different groups matter    
  5. Fairness and justice involve impacts, benefits, and representation    
  6. Compromise will be needed    
  7. Transparency and resourcing are key   
  8. A joined-up framing and long-term approach offers multiple benefits 

The principles were developed by a community of practice and are not a statement of government policy.

Updates to this page

Published 16 September 2025

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