The UK government has made its intentions clear: local authorities are critical to the country’s journey toward net-zero, and they’re about to receive “much, much more support” to develop their energy plans. When attending the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, Energy Minister Michael Shanks recently told Utility Week that GB Energy is being tasked with providing both financial support and capacity building to help councils across the UK create Local Area Energy Plans (LAEPs).

However, with 14 years of budget cuts leaving many councils stretched to their limits, local authorities need more than just funding — they need the right tools and resources to streamline the planning process, make informed decisions, and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future. That’s where LAEP+ comes in.

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What is LAEP+?

Local Area Energy Planner Plus (LAEP+) is a cloud-based, net-zero planning tool designed specifically to help local authorities, consultants, and Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) manage the complexity of Local Area Energy Planning. It uses digital twins and granular data to provide region-specific insights into energy consumption, heat demand, transport, and building data, enabling councils to create robust energy plans that align with their unique regional needs.

With over 200 local authorities across the UK already using LAEP+, the tool has proven to be an invaluable resource for councils working to develop their LAEPs in line with national net-zero goals.

The government’s renewed focus on supporting Local Area Energy Plans couldn’t come at a better time. Here’s how LAEP+ can help local councils take full advantage of the upcoming support from central government:

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1. A Solution to Build Capacity in Local Authorities

“There is a real role for government to provide that capacity support, to provide that early help with planning, helping councils to think about what energy plans might look like and what their options are.”- Energy Minister, Michael Shanks

Minister Shanks acknowledged that many local councils are struggling to prioritise energy plans due to limited resources and overwhelming workloads. LAEP+ bridges this gap by simplifying the entire energy planning process, helping councils save time and resources. With user-friendly data tools and built-in modelling features, LAEP+ gives councils the capacity they need to efficiently develop comprehensive, data-driven energy plans without needing extensive internal expertise or having to invest heavily in consultancy services.

Advanced Infrastructure offers a simpler, more affordable solution to help councils manage Local Area Energy Planning: a SaaS (Software as a Service) model paired with customer success support. 

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Advanced Infrastructure’s Customer Success model complements the Software as a Service approach by providing ongoing support that bridges any remaining capacity gaps. 

Here’s how we help:

• Live training sessions to show councils how to use the platform.
• Regular check-ins to answer questions and provide help when needed.
• 24/7 online resources such as tutorials and how-to videos for easy reference.
• Support team on hand during business hours to give real-time help.

By combining this easy-to-use software with strong customer support, councils don’t have to rely on expensive consultants. Instead, they can create their own energy plans, adjust them over time, and get projects moving faster—all while saving money and resources.

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2. Preparing for Financial ‘Local Area Energy Plan’ Support

“It is important that local governments get the support they need. GB Energy will have a role in financing local government to provide that support to deliver LAEPs.” Energy Minister, Michael Shanks

As GB Energy prepares to offer new funding avenues for LAEPs, councils will need to be ready with strong, well-prepared plans to secure financial backing. LAEP+ equips local authorities with everything they need to create data-backed, highly detailed plans that stand up to scrutiny. Whether it's responding to government grants, pitching energy projects for funding, or collaborating with community stakeholders, LAEP+ ensures councils are always ready to take action.

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3. Accelerating the Deployment of Low-Carbon Technologies

GB Energy’s Local Power Plan is expected to not only provide financial support but also promote the rapid deployment of low-carbon technologies across regions. LAEP+ is specifically designed to help councils identify and prioritise sites for critical low-carbon solutions like heat pumps, solar pv, electric vehicle (EV) charge points, and district heating systems. With its detailed, region-specific insights, LAEP+ ensures that councils can quickly and effectively triage opportunities and get low-carbon technologies deployed faster.

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4. Tailoring Local Area Energy Plans to Regional Needs

Trafford Council leader Tom Ross pointed out during the Labour Party Conference, “there is no one-size-fits-all solution” to the UK’s energy challenges. 

Different regions face different barriers and opportunities. LAEP+ is built with this in mind, offering councils the ability to tailor their energy plans to the unique characteristics of their region. Whether dealing with urban heat demand or rural EV charging challenges, LAEP+ helps local authorities plan smarter, more efficient energy transitions.

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5. Building Local Ownership of Energy Systems

Minister Shanks highlighted GB Energy’s remit will also extend support “beyond local councils to support communities within a local council area who want to come up with plans that will be facilitated by their local council”.

LAEP+ provides the tools for local authorities to empower communities to take ownership of their energy transitions, enabling councils and local groups to collaborate on energy solutions that meet local needs and boost community engagement in the shift to net-zero.

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6. Aligned with the Government’s Vision for LAEPs

The government’s emphasis on Local Area Energy Plans as a key component of the UK's net-zero strategy is fully aligned with the capabilities of LAEP+. With the government poised to provide more support, it’s vital for councils to have a tool like LAEP+ that allows them to capitalise on this opportunity, develop robust LAEPs, and make tangible progress toward their climate goals.

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Prepare for Government support with LAEP+

With GB Energy gearing up to offer increased funding and capacity support, local authorities are entering a pivotal moment in the UK’s net-zero transition. Digital tools such as LAEP+ are critical to ensuring that councils are not only ready to take advantage of these new opportunities but also positioned to lead the charge in delivering sustainable, localised energy systems that will benefit their communities for years to come.

If your local authority is preparing to develop or accelerate its Local Area Energy Plan, now is the time to explore how LAEP+ can streamline your planning, accelerate the deployment of low-carbon technologies, and ensure that your council is well-equipped to take advantage of forthcoming government support.

Book your Free LAEP+ and Data Demo: Follow this link and book a time and date that's convenient for you.

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