Using power patterns to unlock better connections
Every half hour, the electricity used by businesses across the UK leaves a digital footprint. Individually, these signals tell a small story. Together, they reveal how the nation's economy powers itself.
Through project ‘Loadscape’, UK Power Networks is bringing together millions of half-hourly electricity readings to create a richer understanding of electricity demand than has previously been possible on the low voltage network.
Early analysis is revealing distinct patterns in how different sectors use electricity, with businesses showing predictable demand behaviours that vary by activity, season and time of day.
Working in partnership with Environmental Insight Partners, the innovative project is applying AI and advanced analytics to uncover patterns from commercial and industrial customers’ use of electricity. From schools and supermarkets to warehouses and manufacturing sites, Loadscape identifies common demand behaviours and develops detailed usage profiles that show how electricity consumption changes throughout the day, across seasons and in response to external factors.
The result is a clearer view of parts of the network that have traditionally relied on a manual approach for monitoring and analysis. Loadscape provides a more dynamic, evidence-based understanding of how the network is performing today, and how it is likely to perform tomorrow.
This deeper understanding supports smarter investment decisions, more efficient planning and faster customer connections. It will also help identify business customers for inclusion on the Business Priority Register, helping ensure they receive extra support if they experience a power cut.
Luca Grella, head of innovation at UK Power Networks, said: “Loadscape is about turning data into better outcomes for our customers. By building a clearer picture of how commercial and industrial customers use electricity, we can make faster, more informed decisions on new connections, shorten timelines, and make the best possible use of our existing network.”
Colin McKinnon, chief executive of Environmental Insight Partners, said: “UK Power Networks is known for championing network innovation and we are pleased to be working in partnership with planning teams to help deliver key customer connection improvements and support a more resilient network.”
Published: 23/09/2026
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Through project ‘Loadscape’, UK Power Networks is bringing together millions of half-hourly electricity readings to create a richer understanding of electricity demand than has previously been possible on the low voltage network.
Early analysis is revealing distinct patterns in how different sectors use electricity, with businesses showing predictable demand behaviours that vary by activity, season and time of day.
Working in partnership with Environmental Insight Partners, the innovative project is applying AI and advanced analytics to uncover patterns from commercial and industrial customers’ use of electricity. From schools and supermarkets to warehouses and manufacturing sites, Loadscape identifies common demand behaviours and develops detailed usage profiles that show how electricity consumption changes throughout the day, across seasons and in response to external factors.
The result is a clearer view of parts of the network that have traditionally relied on a manual approach for monitoring and analysis. Loadscape provides a more dynamic, evidence-based understanding of how the network is performing today, and how it is likely to perform tomorrow.
This deeper understanding supports smarter investment decisions, more efficient planning and faster customer connections. It will also help identify business customers for inclusion on the Business Priority Register, helping ensure they receive extra support if they experience a power cut.
Luca Grella, head of innovation at UK Power Networks, said: “Loadscape is about turning data into better outcomes for our customers. By building a clearer picture of how commercial and industrial customers use electricity, we can make faster, more informed decisions on new connections, shorten timelines, and make the best possible use of our existing network.”
Colin McKinnon, chief executive of Environmental Insight Partners, said: “UK Power Networks is known for championing network innovation and we are pleased to be working in partnership with planning teams to help deliver key customer connection improvements and support a more resilient network.”
Published: 23/09/2026
Back to news