Just LAEP!

Just LAEP is Centre for Energy Equality’s unique approach to Local Area Energy Planning (LAEP). We’ve made it our mission to put fairness and equity at the heart of local energy plans. Just LAEP is not just about achieving Net Zero; it’s about ensuring that the most vulnerable, fuel-poor, and those in need of support are prioritized in the journey towards a sustainable future.

Just LAEP stands apart by placing the most vulnerable and those in need of support at the forefront of our local energy plans. We prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that no one is left behind in the transition to a sustainable future.

Our Unique Approach

Just LAEP takes a new, partnership-based approach that takes all aspects of energy system planning into account. We work collaboratively, using data-driven solutions to create cost-effective Net Zero action plans that are both inclusive and sustainable.

The urgency of climate change requires action at the local level, and more than 80% of local authorities in England and Wales have declared a climate emergency. Our Just LAEP service is designed to fill the gap, providing clear, comprehensive plans to help local areas meet their Net Zero targets and contribute to the national goal.

Putting Fairness First

Just LAEP stands apart by placing the most vulnerable and those in need of support at the forefront of our local energy plans. We prioritise inclusivity, ensuring that no one is left behind in the transition to a sustainable future.

What We Offer

  • Collaborative and Data-Driven Approach: Just LAEP leverages a data-driven, evidence-based methodology, developed in close collaboration with local governments and key stakeholders.

  • Fully Costed Spatial Plans: Our plans identify the necessary changes in the local energy system and built environment, specifying ‘what, where, when, and by whom.’ We provide a detailed breakdown of costs, energy use changes, and emissions reductions, with incremental targets to reach Net Zero by 2050.

  • Adaptable Vision: Just LAEP sets a long-term vision for the area, updated approximately every 3–5 years to remain relevant amid technological, policy, and local changes.

  • Near-Term Actions: We identify actionable projects and activities to drive progress, helping stakeholders prioritise investments and initiatives.

  • Comprehensive Scope: Just LAEP addresses a wide range of areas, including electricity, heat, and gas networks, the potential for hydrogen, the built environment, flexibility, energy generation and storage, and energy provision for decarbonized transport.

  • Holistic Planning: Our approach encompasses stakeholder engagement, a comprehensive social process, robust cost considerations, multiple future scenarios, spatial and temporal analyses, and governance and delivery strategies.

Our Core Values

  • Whole Systems Approach: Just LAEP considers the complex interactions of power, gas, heat, and transport, aligning with the low-carbon aspirations of the local community.

  • No ‘One-Size-Fits-All’: We recognise the uniqueness of each local area, tailoring our decarbonisation strategy to the specific geography, building types, energy infrastructure, energy demand, resources, and urban growth plans.

  • Local Stakeholder Collaboration: We create greater cohesion across the local area, encouraging planners, businesses, energy networks, regulators, and communities to work together with a whole-system perspective.

  • Informed Investment: Our Local Area Energy Plans offer a solid foundation for local authorities, businesses, and households to make cost-effective decisions, such as decarbonising heating, increasing local energy generation and storage, and developing electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Experience Matters

Just LAEP is based on real-world experience from working with organisations across the UK. These initiatives have enabled significant progress toward Net Zero and are now serving as models for other areas.

We believe that fair and sustainable energy solutions are essential. We’re here to guide your community toward a brighter, more equitable future. Join us in our commitment to a Just LAEP!