UK Power Networks has partnered with Advanced Infrastructure to introduce a new digital tool designed to assist local authorities in creating Local Area Energy Plans (LAEPs) more efficiently. This initiative aims to reduce the costs associated with developing these plans by an estimated 20%. The LAEP+ Planning Tool, which is accessible through UK Power Networks’ Your Local Net Zero Hub website, streamlines the process of data collection and project planning for local councils, thereby facilitating quicker and more cost-effective energy planning.

The tool was developed in collaboration with local authorities, ensuring it meets their specific needs. It provides essential data, scenario modeling, and project-building capabilities that support decarbonization efforts. Previously, local authorities faced challenges in gathering data and mapping potential decarbonization projects, which was often a manual and resource-intensive task. The LAEP+ tool addresses these issues by improving collaboration and enabling councils to prioritize investments in carbon-saving initiatives, such as property retrofits.

Since its launch in summer 2023, the LAEP+ tool has been made available free of charge to all 133 local authorities served by UK Power Networks. The tool has also been adopted by three additional electricity network operators, extending its reach across the country. To date, over 200 projects have been initiated by local authorities utilizing the tool, showcasing its effectiveness in accelerating infrastructure rollouts and achieving net-zero goals.

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The LAEP+ Planning Tool allows local authorities to evaluate various scenarios for deploying retrofits and Low Carbon Technologies (LCTs), helping them identify the most effective pathways to achieve their net-zero targets. Lynne McDonald, head of Local Net Zero at UK Power Networks, emphasized the importance of providing local authorities with the right tools for effective planning. She noted that the tool was developed with direct input from local councils, ensuring it aligns with their operational requirements.

Lily Cairns Haylor, co-founder of Advanced Infrastructure, highlighted that the LAEP+ tool represents a significant advancement in digital collaboration for network planning. By enabling real-time alignment between local authorities and network operators, the tool aims to facilitate a smoother transition to a low-carbon future while ensuring that grid investments are both cost-effective and data-driven.

The introduction of this tool marks a pivotal moment for local authorities as they navigate the complexities of energy planning and strive to meet ambitious decarbonization targets.