are energy regeneration runes good on any of the energy based champs?

I think they arent good, there are better runes, hp, atk dmg, atk speed, etc EDIT: Akali's e is her worst ability (after nerf) so dont even go there xD.

Yes and no. I use a combination of energy regen & flat energy runes, in varying amounts, with a variety of the energy resource champions.

Shen is one of those champs that can be very energy hungry and I use the full treatment of energy runes: E-regen seals, quints, w/ flat energy glyphs. It makes the end game of a sustained team fight very much more effective. I am able to continuously throw out Vorpal Blades while in a late game team fight and be confident that I'll have the energy when a second taunt becomes available. However, Non-"standard" runes can very much be the difference between losing lane and winning some all-in with a bit of health remaining. I use the energy runes because it fits my playstyle, I like pokes, trades, and spams but in all honesty LoL is a game of champ kills fueled by the appropriately timed all-ins during laning which greatly favors standard rune combinations.

In a few words: they can be rather useful but you make sacrifices to use them.

PS: Akali really isn't the one of the champs with which I've had great benefit from energy runes. I'd say the most definite improvements through energy rune investments are through: 1) Shen, 2) Kennen, 3) Lee Sin (flat energy glyphs only) [not real familiar with Zed].

its good for utlity purposes imo. like shen taunt. shen can get in stick situations a lot. and some energy runes can get his dash up sooner to get away. can also make him tankier by allowing him to perhaps cast 1 extra feint before dying. but its wasted if you don't find yourself needed it.