Leadership drives national momentum on LAEP standard
SP Electricity North West (SP ENW) has become the latest electricity network operator to adopt a standardised template, fast‑following the leadership shown by UK Power Networks’ Distribution System Operator (DSO).
The move expands a national approach that is improving how local energy systems are planned, for the benefit of customers and communities. The ‘Local Authority Common Ask Template’ was originally developed by UK Power Networks’ DSO and then expanded in collaboration with gas networks SGN and Cadent. Other networks including National Grid Electricity Distribution and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks have since adopted it.
The standardised template enables local authorities to share their Local Area Energy Planning (LAEP) data with utilities in a single, consistent format. SP ENW’s decision to adopt this approach marks an important step in scaling the benefits of this work further across the UK, ensuring more councils can plan confidently and efficiently across network boundaries. Better alignment between networks means better‑informed and more coordinated investment in local electricity infrastructure for customers.
The collaboration has set a clear, practical standard that reduces complexity for local authorities. Councils working with multiple networks can now share their LAEP data once, confident it can be used consistently by all participating operators. SP ENW’s fast adoption strengthens this “share once” approach, reducing duplication, saving public sector time and resources, and accelerating the translation of local plans into network action.
SP ENW joining the initiative demonstrates growing momentum behind a customer‑focused, whole‑system approach to local energy planning. The common template is becoming a foundation for national consistency that supports councils, strengthens collaboration and delivers tangible benefits for customers across Great Britain.
Lynne McDonald, head of local net zero at UK Power Networks DSO, said: “From the outset, our aim was to make Local Area Energy Planning simpler and more effective for councils, while delivering better outcomes for customers. By leading the development of a common, practical template, we’ve helped remove unnecessary complexity and ensured local plans can directly inform network investment. Seeing SP ENW fast follow this approach shows the value of setting a clear standard that supports local authorities and helps all networks plan smarter, more efficient systems that keep costs down and reliability high for customers. I’m excited to see who joins us next in our mission to be customer-first in the sharing of local data.”
Christos Kaloudas, capacity strategy lead manager at SP ENW, said: “At SP Electricity North West, we continuously improve and enhance our support to local authorities on their decarbonisation journey and economic growth plans.
“Listening to our stakeholders needs, we’re already delivering training to various local authorities within our region and supporting them with their energy planning. The Local Authority Common Ask further enhances and standardises our offerings to local authorities in the North West.”
Published: 20/04/2026
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The move expands a national approach that is improving how local energy systems are planned, for the benefit of customers and communities. The ‘Local Authority Common Ask Template’ was originally developed by UK Power Networks’ DSO and then expanded in collaboration with gas networks SGN and Cadent. Other networks including National Grid Electricity Distribution and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks have since adopted it.
The standardised template enables local authorities to share their Local Area Energy Planning (LAEP) data with utilities in a single, consistent format. SP ENW’s decision to adopt this approach marks an important step in scaling the benefits of this work further across the UK, ensuring more councils can plan confidently and efficiently across network boundaries. Better alignment between networks means better‑informed and more coordinated investment in local electricity infrastructure for customers.
The collaboration has set a clear, practical standard that reduces complexity for local authorities. Councils working with multiple networks can now share their LAEP data once, confident it can be used consistently by all participating operators. SP ENW’s fast adoption strengthens this “share once” approach, reducing duplication, saving public sector time and resources, and accelerating the translation of local plans into network action.
SP ENW joining the initiative demonstrates growing momentum behind a customer‑focused, whole‑system approach to local energy planning. The common template is becoming a foundation for national consistency that supports councils, strengthens collaboration and delivers tangible benefits for customers across Great Britain.
Lynne McDonald, head of local net zero at UK Power Networks DSO, said: “From the outset, our aim was to make Local Area Energy Planning simpler and more effective for councils, while delivering better outcomes for customers. By leading the development of a common, practical template, we’ve helped remove unnecessary complexity and ensured local plans can directly inform network investment. Seeing SP ENW fast follow this approach shows the value of setting a clear standard that supports local authorities and helps all networks plan smarter, more efficient systems that keep costs down and reliability high for customers. I’m excited to see who joins us next in our mission to be customer-first in the sharing of local data.”
Christos Kaloudas, capacity strategy lead manager at SP ENW, said: “At SP Electricity North West, we continuously improve and enhance our support to local authorities on their decarbonisation journey and economic growth plans.
“Listening to our stakeholders needs, we’re already delivering training to various local authorities within our region and supporting them with their energy planning. The Local Authority Common Ask further enhances and standardises our offerings to local authorities in the North West.”
Published: 20/04/2026
Back to news