Three of Britain’s major energy networks – UK Power Networks, Cadent, and SGN – have launched a unified ‘Common Ask Template’ designed to cut administrative burden and speed up the delivery of local net zero projects.
For the first time, local authorities can share the information required by energy networks in a single, standardised format. This should reduce duplicated requests, free up staff time, and make it simpler to plan infrastructure upgrades such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and low-carbon heating.
Together, the three networks serve more than 25 million people across the UK. By adopting one shared format, they aim to streamline collaboration with councils and ensure investment decisions can be made faster and more effectively.
Pilots already under way
Hounslow Council has already adopted the template, while five more councils are using it through the Greater London Authority (GLA)’s Outer East London LAEP (Local Area Energy Planning) programme, which covers both SGN and Cadent customers.
The new approach is designed to work for every council – from those starting their climate planning to those with advanced modelling – and to support projects through to 2050.
Voices from the partners
Lynne McDonald, Head of Local Net Zero at UK Power Networks’ DSO, says, “Local authorities are working hard to cut carbon, but too often they’re asked for the same data again and again.
“This simple change means they can spend less time on paperwork and more time delivering real benefits for their communities.”
Cllr Katherine Dunne, Portfolio Holder for Climate, Environment, and Transport at the London Borough of Hounslow, adds, “This initiative has saved us a lot of time by making it easier to share our Local Area Energy Plan outputs with electricity and gas networks.
“Without it, we’d be sending forecasts to multiple companies in different formats at different times – a real drain on resources.”
Lorna Millington, Future Networks Manager at Cadent, comments, “The journey towards achieving net zero will take a truly collaborative effort where we share insight and work together on the energy transition.
“This project with UK Power Networks and SGN shows the value of like-minded organisations joining forces to make progress.”
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