New standard speeds up local energy planning in UK

Local authorities will no longer have to spend time and money sharing the same local data in many ways to networks. This new project means LAEP outcomes can be shared and interpreted quickly, helping councils to make decisions on heat, transport, and energy infrastructure planning more easily.

Standardised LAEP outputs will give DSOs more consistent, higher-quality data to feed into key network planning and investment processes, such as Distribution Future Energy Scenarios (DFES) and the Distribution Network Options Assessment (DNOA). Better forecasting ultimately results in more efficient, targeted investment, helping to keep costs down for customers while ensuring networks are ready for increasing electrification.

“Local authorities like us rely on clear, consistent and high-quality data to deliver our net zero ambitions,” said Sarah Kerr, energy systems lead at Oxfordshire County Council.

“This standardised template removes a major barrier for councils like ours that work with more than one DNO. It will save time and resources while giving us the confidence that our plans are fully aligned with regional and national energy needs. We welcome the collaborative approach taken and see real potential for the template to be adopted widely.”

“By standardising how councils can share their clean energy and growth data, we enable data to be ‘shared once’ by our local authorities and then this data used by all local utilities”

The project demonstrates significant cross-sector collaboration between multiple DSOs, local authorities, and delivery partners ERM and Regen. Other DSOs have already expressed interest, indicating strong potential for national scalability.

“This joint DSO initiative is a powerful example of sector-wide collaboration to make life simpler for local authorities,” said Lynne McDonald, head of local net zero at UK Power Networks.

“By standardising how councils can share their clean energy and growth data, we enable data to be ‘shared once’ by our local authorities and then this data used by all local utilities. That means smarter, more efficient planning and investment decisions shaped by local needs - ultimately delivering benefits for every electricity customer.”