The transition to a clean, electrified economy is no longer a question of technology. The challenge is how to deliver it at the speed and scale that’s needed to strengthen energy security, unlock economic growth, and build resilience. The solutions are already there – many of which exist at the subnational level, where implementation begins.
That was the clear message from leaders at the Under2 Coalition's electrification dialogue during Bloomberg Philanthropy's London Climate Action Summit, during London Climate Action Week. Bringing together over thirty states and regions from around the world, the discussion explored one of the defining questions of the energy transition: how do we move from ambition to implementation?
The dialogue was part of The Big Switch, Under2 Coalition's global initiative to accelerate clean electrification through subnational leadership. It is built on a simple reality: national governments set targets, but delivery happens locally. States and regions are where infrastructure is built, investment is deployed, and communities experience the benefits of cleaner, cheaper and more resilient energy systems, from cleaner air to lower energy bills.
During the discussion, subnational leaders painted a clear picture of the pressures they’re facing today. Strained energy systems because of rising electricity demand and ageing infrastructure, volatile fossil fuel markets, and increasingly frequent climate disasters. At the same time, governments are balancing the need to keep energy affordable while investing in the grid, storage, and clean energy infrastructure that are needed to meet the requirements of for the future.
Participants also highlighted ‘coordination’ as an ongoing challenge. In many countries, limited dialogue between national and subnational governments is slowing down planning, distorting investment signals, and hampering delivery.
Ensuring all people benefit from the transition was another recurring theme. Whether supporting regions with long histories of fossil fuel employment or expanding access to finance in emerging economies, participants agreed that targeted investment, workforce development, and inclusive policies are essential to ensure no communities are left behind as economies electrify.
Resilience can no longer be treated as a response to crises. It must become part of how subnational governments plan, invest, and govern.
From wildfire prevention to flood management, leaders shared how climate impacts are already reshaping public investment decisions. Building resilience now means embedding climate considerations into budgeting, regulation, infrastructure planning, and long-term policy.
Delegates highlighted a range of practical approaches, including stronger regulatory frameworks, independent science-based advice, nature-based solutions, innovative financing mechanisms, and collaboration with the insurance sector to reduce future risks and costs.
A key takeaway was the need for governments to ensure a better job of communicating the economic cost of inaction. Making the case for resilience is not simply about avoiding future losses; it's about protecting communities, strengthening economies, and creating the conditions for long-term prosperity.
If the first challenge is recognising the opportunity, the next is delivering it, at scale.
Participants agreed that accelerating clean electrification requires much closer alignment between procurement, finance, regulation, and infrastructure planning. Public investment must unlock private capital, while governments and financial institutions need stronger partnerships to reduce investment risk and accelerate deployment.
There was also a clear call for better coordination across different levels of government. States and regions need greater access to international finance, clearer pathways to develop investable projects, and stronger mechanisms to align climate funding with wider public investment priorities.
Perhaps most importantly, delegates argued that climate investment should be understood for what it is: an economic strategy. Clean electrification strengthens energy security, improves competitiveness, attracts investment, and creates green jobs. Framing it this way will be critical to building the political and public support needed to scale action.
From dialogue to action
The discussions in London reinforced the reasons why the Under2 Coalition launched The Big Switch.
Electrification is becoming one of the defining economic opportunities of our time. But success depends on practical delivery, not ambition alone.
Over the coming year, The Big Switch will bring together states and regions to identify barriers, share practical solutions, and co-develop implementation-ready actions across four priority pathways: electrifying transport, decarbonising industry, electrifying buildings, and building the resilient clean power systems that underpin them all.
The technologies are ready. The economic case is compelling. Now the focus must shift to delivery.
Electrification is the next growth story. And if the transition is to succeed, it will be because states and regions lead it. The Big Switch is about bringing together governments, businesses, and investors to turn ambition into implementation, because delivery happens locally. Under2’s message to the wider community – work with us, not around us. In this next chapter of the #Under2Coalition, we’re #doublingdown.