From local data to benefits for local communities
Local plans and forecasts contribute to well-informed network plans, helping to deliver capacity when and where it is needed, better value, and benefits for communities.
Already making a difference in 2025/26:
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Planned network investment brought forward at 170 locations.
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Consumer benefits worth £94 million through flexibility – opening up potential local earning opportunities and helping keep bills down.
Follow your data journey
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Share your local plans and forecasts
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See how local data informs network plans
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View the network picture for your area
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See the benefits for local communities
1. Share your local plans and forecasts
2. From local data to network plans
We use your local data alongside our network forecasts to:
Strengthen our local energy forecasts:
Your data gives us a better local picture of how electricity use and generation could change. We use it to build different scenarios for your area up to 2050, including changes in electric vehicles, heat pumps and renewable generation.
Related output: Distribution Future Energy Scenarios – sets out the locally informed net zero scenario forecasts used to identify future network needs. Updated in February each year.
Find the best-value way to provide capacity for you:
The locally informed forecasts show how electricity needs may change in each area. This helps us identify where and when the network may need more capacity to carry electricity safely to the communities.
We can provide capacity by upgrading the network or using flexibility – paying eligible customers and businesses to change when they use or generate electricity. Sometimes we use both.
Related outputs:
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Network Scenario Headroom Report (NSHR) – uses the locally informed forecasts to show future capacity at local substations and where and when more may be needed. Updated in May each year.
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Long-term System Needs Register and Distribution Network Options Assessment (DNOA) – the register lists locations where forecasts show a potential local capacity need. The DNOA then assesses each need, compares network upgrades, flexibility or both, and recommends the best-value option to reduce network costs and help keep electricity bills down. The Long-term System Needs Register is updated quarterly. The DNOA is updated in March and October each year.
Shape our long-term investment plans:
The recommended options help shape our shorter- and longer-term plans for network development and flexibility.
Related outputs:
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Long Term Development Statement Infrastructure Projects – a closer 5-year view of major network developments. Updated in May and November each year.
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Network Development Plan – a 10-year view of planned development and flexibility. Updated in May every two years.
3. View the network picture for your area
The Regional Energy Dashboard brings together forecasts, capacity information and network plans for your area.
Select your council area to explore:
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How local electricity needs could change.
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How much capacity local substations may have.
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Where network developments may be planned.
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Where flexibility opportunities may be available.
4. Benefits for local communities
The forecasts and network plans help us invest at the right time, make better use of the existing network and deliver better value for communities.
In 2025/26 alone:
Network investment brought forward at 170 locations:
Local data has helped us plan investment sooner at 170 locations, supporting capacity planning for local growth and net zero plans.
Rewards through flexibility:
£94 million benefits to consumers
Local data helped us identify where flexibility could provide the best-value solution, creating paid opportunities for local businesses and residents. Flexibility can also avoid or delay more expensive network upgrades, helping keep electricity bills down.
Keep the network picture up to date:
Projects, priorities and forecasts change. Sharing updates keeps the local picture current and helps future network decisions reflect your latest plans.
