Summary

UK Power Networks is the largest electricity distribution network operator in the UK, delivering electricity to 8.5 million homes and businesses across London, the South East and East of England, serving approximately 20 million people. 

In April 2023 UK Power Networks launched the country’s first ever independent Distribution System Operator (DSO). It aims to deliver the right capacity in the right place, at the right time, at the lowest cost for their customers.

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The Challenge

UK Power Networks must accurately forecast where and when low-carbon technologies and Low Carbon Technologies (LCTs) - such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems will be deployed. Having clear visibility into future energy demand means it can plan expand network capacity at the right time, at the right location at lowest cost. 

Collaborating with local authorities is key to understanding their long-term growth plans. Collecting this local information through an entirely manual process from the 133 local authorities in its licence areas would be a significant challenge.

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The Solution: LAEP+ Customer Planning Platform

To address these challenges, UK Power Networks DSO implemented the LAEP+ Customer Planning Portal, a free and open to all digital tool that enhances grid planning and forecasting. Now, 127 local authorities within UK Power Networks’ service area actively use the portal, serving 1,000 users and covering data for over 17 million end customers. 

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Using digital twins, detailed energy modelling, and granular data on buildings, transportation, and heat demand, the portal enables data-driven decision-making for local governments. This has significantly improved UK Power Networks’ ability to forecast load growth, having the potential to achieve:

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• £6.7million savings for consumers over 5 years
  
  
• Regulatory compliance under UK RIIO-ED2 by enabling digital collaboration with the DSO and municipalities
  
  
• Enhanced customer satisfaction through faster, more efficient planning
  
  
• Improved visibility of future network loads by anticipating where and when low-carbon technologies (LCTs) will be deployed, ensuring the grid can support future demand

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Lynne McDonald, Head of Local Net Zero at UK Power Networks

‍ “Through data and digital tools, we are continuously supporting and integrating local plans and intelligence to enhance our forecasts, ensuring we provide fit-for-purpose electricity networks that facilitate local decarbonisation. Crucially, local authorities told us this matters – we listened and responded, building this tool with Advanced Infrastructure. That collaboration is what makes our data and digital tools a truly valuable service.”

Impact and Adoption

For Kent County Council, LAEP+ is supporting the development of projects for low carbon technology deployment as well as being used to build a foundation for Local Area Energy Planning. The Council has already used the portal’s project feature to generate reports for parish councils exploring community solar PV projects and finance models. The portal has enabled the council to evaluate the scale of decarbonisation challenges and opportunities, ensuring informed decision-making at both local and regional levels.

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For Cambridgeshire County Council, LAEP+ has been used to digitise Cambridgeshire’s existing decarbonisation planning work. A Local Area Energy Asset Representation, created by the Energy Systems Catapult, and covering 6 district authorities across Cambridgeshire has been integrated with the portal to provide an interactive view of local potential to accelerate collaborative and data driven planning.

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Conclusion

Due to the successful implementation of LAEP+ and the newly formed Net Zero Team, in 2024 UK Power Networks was crowned the winners of the Engagement Award at the 2024 International Energy Awards.

The LAEP+ customer planning portal is transforming how local authorities plan and execute Net Zero strategies.

By integrating spatial analytics, collaborative planning, and real-time data insights, UK Power Networks is enabling a more coordinated and efficient transition to a low-carbon future.

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What is LAEP+ ?

The LAEP+ Customer Planning Portal was created to support utilities, municipalities, consultants and developers to identify optimum locations to deploy low carbon technologies, plan region-wide energy transitions and enhance grid forecasting.

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• Integrated datasets and geospatial visualisations: Combines low carbon technology potential, network capacity, building stock models, and socio-economic data.
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• Scenario and Project Modelling: Model technology change and impact over years or even decades.
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• Collaboration & Transparency: Boost collaboration and data sharing between utilities, their customers and collaborators to foster planning and investment aligned with need.
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• Training, support and guidance: Our customer success team runs regular training sessions, deep dives and on-demand support via the in-platform live chat.
  
  

Book your Free LAEP+ Demo with Advanced Infrastructure and learn how LAEP+ can improve strategic network planning for utilities and accelerate local energy planning.

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