DNOs ‘big blocker’ on local energy plans

Distribution network operators (DNOs) have been accused of being a “big blocker” on councils’ efforts to draw up Local Area Energy Plans (LAEPs).

The blueprints, which have been championed by the Energy Systems Catapult, are designed to enable councils to tailor whole system energy transitions strategies around their local needs and priorities.

They include helping councils to identify potential locations for local renewables and other low carbon technologies, including flexibility and smart energy systems.

However, delivering evidence to the House of Commons energy security and net zero committee, a member of the Local Government Association’s Local Infrastructure and Net Zero Board identified DNOs as a stumbling block in efforts to roll out LAEPs.

Paula Widdowson, who is also York Council’s executive member for environment and climate change, said: “LAEPs are fantastic but the big blocker is DNOs.”

As an example, she pointed to a site identified for a potential solar farm in the York and North Yorkshire area, which has developed an LAEP with the catapult’s support.

The proposed site includes a former waste tip and is concave shaped, reducing the impact of the panels on the surrounding landscape, Widdowson said.

However, she told the committee, which was gathering evidence for its inquiry into home heating, that Northern Powergrid has quoted £150,000 just to secure a slot on the list for a grid connection.

She added that the DNO has estimated the actual grid connection will cost £7 million and cannot be delivered until 2033.

The Liberal Democrat councillor said: “This is a big blocker in terms of infrastructure across the country to put renewable energy into the grid, which keeps being highlighted in LAEPs.”

She said that “nearly half” of councils have now drawn up an LAEP. However, according Energy Systems Catapult there were 86 local authorities that had completed the blueprint as of November last year, up from 20 last summer.

Widdowson said councils require long-term “clarity and consistency” on funding in order to ensure the wider roll out of LAEPs and develop supply chains in areas like home retrofits.

In particular, she said smaller councils face disadvantages competing for funding because they have less resources than their bigger counterparts.

Widdowson was backed up by Fay Holland, senior energy policy advisor at the catapult.

She said: “Some councils are forging ahead with LAEPs and attracting investment and others aren’t. National guidance and funding for every area would avoid that patchwork to avoid areas being left behind.”

Several DNOs have developed tools to help local authorities complete a LAEP, including SSEN which is rolling out its geospatial planning software LENZA to councils in its area.