Future of Utilities - Expert Voices - Jonathan Morris

Jonathan Morris, head of Tower Hamlets' Future Energy and Water Systems team, argues that local authorities must take an active role in delivering net zero, not simply follow central government direction. Using the borough's own Local Area Energy Plan as a blueprint, he sets out how councils are uniquely placed to bring together utility providers, politicians and residents to ensure the energy transition benefits the public it serves.

Joanne Smalley · 7 July 2026 · 6 mins read

The third interview in my Future of Utilities Summit series comes from a totally different perspective.

Jonathan Morris leads London Borough of Tower Hamlets’ Future Energy and Water Systems team, and was clear that local authorities have to be active players in the energy transition, not just recipients of central government policy.

🚨 Tower Hamlets declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has since gone further than the national 2050 target, setting its own net zero goal for 2045.

We talked about some of the key measure that his team is looking to drive to make an impact, but also about the challenge of the gap between strategy and execution - and just how much the Borough can impact.

A fascinating take on the energy transition from a very different perspective. Watch the video here 👇

Future of Utilities Energy Transition Leadership