Since cities are responsible for 67% of the world's energy demand and are the major contributors of CO2 emissions, governments and researchers push towards energy policy initiatives aiming at increasing the sustainability of urban areas. In this context, the diffusion of autonomous energy production systems on territory has been recognized as a cost-effective solution. The integration of distributed energy systems in cities gives to consumers the possibility to exchange their own produced energy. In order to design the optimal energy distribution network among consumers and, at the same time, minimize the energy-supply from traditional power plants, a comprehensive and focused approach is introduced and developed in this paper. The presented model encompasses the frameworks of complex networks theory and energy distribution issues, thus providing a suitable solution than current models. A real case study is then presented to validate the numerical results. Overall, the proposed model offers significant insights for the definition of proper urban action plans centered on the efficient usage of energy and favoring the exploitation of renewable energy, thus allowing urban planners to make reasoned investment decisions. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.