Northern Powergrid providing open data access to cut the cost and complexity of local area energy planning
Working in partnership with Advanced Infrastructure, the electricity network operator is offering free access to detailed datasets, GIS tools and APIs via its LAEP+ platform, giving local councils, consultants and businesses the insight they need to develop practical, place‑based energy plans.
LAEP+ can reduce the cost of developing Local Area Energy Plans by up to 54% - a saving of around £50,000 compared with the traditional consultancy‑led approach, making robust, data‑driven planning more accessible, particularly for councils with limited resources.
The data available covers Northern Powergrid’s entire operating area, across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire.
Serving 3.9 million homes and businesses, Northern Powergrid’s network spans over 60,000 square miles. It powers major cities and some of the UK’s most rural communities, providing a uniquely rich and diverse dataset.
Designed for both technical and non‑technical users, LAEP+ allows users to:
Understand local energy needs
Identify properties suitable for low carbon technology like heat pumps and solar installs
Pinpoint the most cost‑effective locations for EV charging infrastructure
Model future energy scenarios
The platform also incorporates information including fuel poverty indicators and building stock data, helping councils to target support where it is needed most.
Already used by more than 200 local authorities across the UK, councils can use LAEP+ can be used to identify areas eligible for funding schemes such as LEVI and Solar Together, with the outputs it generates ready to integrate into consultations and funding applications.
LAEP+ complements the wider support available from Northern Powergrid’s Regional Insights team, Community Energy Advisors and its Open Data Portal.
Jonathan Burr
Jonathan Burr, Regional Insight Manager at Northern Powergrid, said:
“Local authorities are at the heart of the UK’s energy transition, and we recognise the critical role they play in shaping local energy plans. That’s why we’re providing the tools, insight and support they need to act with confidence and deliver long‑term value to the communities we both serve.”
Lily Cairns Haylor
Lily Cairns Haylor, Product Advanced Infrastructure, said:
“LAEP+ was designed to be practical and accessible for all users. By combining essential datasets with intuitive modelling tools, it’s helping councils take control of their energy planning, while reducing costs and improving collaboration.”