Local area energy plans

 

What is a local area energy plan?

A local area energy plan (LAEP) is a comprehensive, ground-up approach that guides a region towards achieving net zero emissions. It encompasses a whole system approach meaning all parts of the system are mapped including energy supply and demand, transport, buildings, local industry and the environment. These plans incorporate not only technical considerations but also account for non-technical elements and new technologies. The primary goal of a LAEP is to outline the most efficient and economical route for decarbonisation in a local area, providing a clear action plan.

LAEPs span areas ranging from individual cities and districts to county councils and combined authorities, aligning with various levels of local governance. They bring together diverse stakeholders such as energy companies, industries and community groups with a process that involves continuous collaboration leading to data-driven, realistic action plans that are regularly updated to accommodate technological, local and political changes.

How we facilitate local area energy plans

Our role as the North West’s electricity distribution network operator is to support local authorities by ensuring the electricity network can handle the expected extra capacity and grid connections as well as reducing peak energy demand via 'smart' or flexible electricity systems. We're here to provide technical support, transparent data and assist in the development of local area energy plans. We offer:

• Regular meetings with each local authority 
• Workshops for combined authorities
• Our network development engineers as a designated point of contact for your LAEP
• A series of guides and templates to help you develop your LAEP which you can access below
• LAEP+ which is an online spacial planning platform we're providing free access to for local authorities
• Local authority three-part training programme 'Empower'

We're proud to have supported Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) in the development of its LAEPs - a 'trailblazer' city region, the first to complete LAEPs at scale.

LAEP+ platform 

The LAEP+ spacial planning platform is an online tool that enables local authorities to access and analyse geospatial data, run feasibility assessments, model decarbonisation projects and share plans with key stakeholders. 

It brings together a wide range of energy, heat, transport, demographic and network data into a single, interactive platform allowing local authorities to explore future energy scenarios, model low‑carbon technology deployment and build deliverable project pipelines aligned with budgets and local targets. Outputs can then be exported for funding bids, business cases and internal decision‑making, and shared visually with stakeholders to support engagement and consultations.

Access is free for all our local authorities. 

How to start using LAEP+

Over the coming months, we'll be in touch to understand who will need access for each council and to arrange onboarding sessions. Log-ins and passwords will then be sent to the agreed users.

In the meantime you can see some examples of LAEP+ in action with case studies and more by visiting the LAEP+ website here.  

The Local Authority Common Ask

As the region's distribution network operator (DNO), we work with gas distribution networks (GDNs) Cadent and SGN to collaborate with local authorities to support their LAEPs or climate action plans.

Together we have developed the Local Authority Common Ask template. This new template only needs to be completed once by the local authority and shared with their local GDN and DNO. The inputs from the local authority can then be utilised by DNOs and GDNs to inform network planning decisions and investments. 

Download the Local Authority Common Ask template