A new collaborative initiative by UK Power Networks DSO working with National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is set to make local energy planning faster, simpler and more effective for local authorities across the country.

The project takes a major step towards a more consistent, joined up approach to planning the energy system by building on established cross-sector collaboration between UK Power Networks DSO, Cadent and SGN. It builds on work first started as part of the Open Networks project run by the Energy Networks Association in 2020.

The project has delivered a standardised Local Authority Common Ask for sharing granular spatial forecasts, including Local Area Energy Planning (LAEP) results. By enabling data to be shared in the same format to networks regardless of which, or how many, networks serve the area, making the biggest difference for the 54 local authorities whose boundaries cross multiple networks, as they only need to share once, removing the burden of working with different formats, structures and assumptions. This also helps local authorities served by the three organisations to set out a clear format to share their plans to inform network investments.

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

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