Three of Britain’s leading energy networks – UK Power Networks, Cadent and SGN – have joined forces to launch a first-of-its-kind ‘Common Ask Template’ to cut admin and speed up delivery of local Net Zero projects.
For the first time, local authorities can provide the information networks need once, in a simple format.
The three networks serve more than 25 million people across the country. By agreeing one shared format, they are reducing paperwork, avoiding repeated requests and freeing up council staff time – making it easier to plan the upgrades needed for a low-carbon future, and helping local authorities’ resources go further.
Hounslow Council is already using the template, with a further five local authorities adopting it through the Greater London Authority (GLA)’s Outer East London LAEP (Local Area Energy Planning), which covers both SGN and Cadent customers.
The template means the right infrastructure – from Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers to low-carbon heating – can be planned and built sooner.
What it means for communities:
- A single format where all networks and councils share information just once—streamlining both gas and electricity planning
- Faster action – fewer delays and faster investment decisions
- Smarter targeting – utilities can invest where local communities need it
UK Power Networks’ DSO has created a blueprint for others to use both in and outside of our licence area.
It’s designed to work for every council – whether just starting their climate plans to those with advanced modelling in place – and to support projects right through to 2050.
Lynne McDonald, head of local net zero at UK Power Networks’ DSO said:“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 London Borough of Hounslow said: “This new initiative from UK Power Networks 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 our forecasts to multiple electricity and gas utility companies in different formats at different times – which can be a real drain on resources. It’s made our job easier and it’s clear that UKPN really care about improving customer experience, even if their network only covers a very small part of our Borough.”
Lorna Millington, future networks manager at Cadent “The journey towards achieving net zero is going to take a truly collaborative effort where we share intel, insight, and work together on the energy transition.
“This joint project with UK Power Networks & SGN is a great example of what happens when like-minded organisations come together to get things right, share results, and iterate approach to ensure results. With decarbonisation being at the heart of Local Authorities and Energy Networks focus, we need to continue to collaborate in order to make 2050 happen.”