The report is dedicated to the presentation of the general framework of regional energy planning activities in Baltic States. The objective is to provide information on the context, in which regional energy policy instruments have to operate, and which has to be taken into consideration when compiling energy development measures for regional development and structural funds. The major issue of the publication is to discuss perspective of the formation methodology for energy management integration into development of regional planning documents. The main objective of this publication is to make a brief overview of what are the prospects of regional energy development.The place of municipal and regional energy development programs in general energy investment strategy is defined. The guidelines for regional energy programs are presented. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.