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.
We have also enabled FREE access for all our local authorities.
How to start using LAEP+
Over the coming months, we'll be in touch to ascertain 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 it 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
Your local area energy planning contacts
Christos Kaloudas
Capacity Strategy Lead manager
Ivan Bolotkov
Network Development Engineer
Antonella Maria De Corato
Network Development Engineer
Supporting documents
Below you will find a series of documents which provide help and support on LAEP development and where to go for more advice and information.
- Enhanced LAEP engagement support - a review of the help and support available via our dedicated in-house team
- Jargon buster - a helpful list of key industry terms, technologies, electrical units and acronyms to help guide you through the LAEP process
- LAEP high level process - a guide to the help and support for your LAEP development available at SP Electricity North West
- LAEP and planned developments template - Excel template designed to help you start the development of your own LAEP
- LAEP and planned developments template for more details - more detailed Excel template for your local energy planning.
You may also be interested in
Distribution future electricity scenarios
You can view or download all of our smart street PDFs and documentation, covering strategy, implementation and much more.
Network Development Plan
Our Network Development Plan (NDP) shows where new connections are suitable and where flexibility services may be advantageous. It also provides information on how we intend to create capacity over the next ten years.
Embedded Capacity Register
The Embedded Capacity Register provides information on generation and storage resources (≥50kW) that are connected or accepted to connect to our network.
Support for Local Authorities
Fine out more about what we do to support, enhance and collaborate with our local and combine authorities.
Your guide to energy jargon
A guide to understanding terminology, acronyms and jargon that help those new to conversations in the energy industry.
Book a meeting
Please fill out our short online form to schedule a meeting with our team at a time and date that suits your convenience.