Businesses and community groups across the county are being invited to shape the future local energy network in Cambridgeshire. This aims to help businesses grow faster and help build sustainable and affordable communities, whilst also meeting our climate targets.
The Cambridgeshire local authorities and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (Combined Authority), are developing a Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP) for our area. The LAEP will set out scenarios for planning the energy infrastructure requirements for current and future growth across the County, and how we can deliver this growth sustainably. It aims to support investment in the right infrastructure to ensure an affordable, resilient, and low-carbon energy future for all. This will inform a range of infrastructure planning, including that of UK Power Networks, the District Network Operator.
We want to make sure Cambridgeshire’s voice is heard, which is why we are hosting online workshops and conducting a survey. The survey, which launched on (Wednesday 4 June), gathers data directly from businesses, organisations, and community groups to help us build a strong, evidence-based plan that will ensure the right infrastructure is in the right places to deliver the county’s ambitions. The deadline for completing the survey is 14 July.
The survey asks about your organisation's:
- Current energy consumption.
- Plans and ambitions for future expansion or growth which could affect energy demand.
- Plans and ambitions for reducing carbon (improving your energy efficiency, switching your buildings and vehicles to low carbon energy, or generating power from renewable sources, for example).
- Drivers, enablers, and barriers you may be facing in making your plans a reality.
Take the survey today and help shape the future of Cambridgeshire’s energy network.
You can find out more about energy planning and how you can be involved in our online workshops.
Thursday 19 June, 1pm to 2pm - for businesses
Registration link: Cambridgeshire Local Area Energy Plan Webinar 19 June (Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams)
Wednesday 25 June, 7pm to 8pm - for community groups
Registration link: Cambridgeshire Local Area Energy Plan Webinar 25 June (Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams)
Wednesday 2 July, 1pm to 2pm - for businesses
Registration link: Cambridgeshire Local Area Energy Plan Webinar 2 July (Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams)
A joint initiative, we’re working with the Combined Authority, Cambridge City Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council, and East Cambridgeshire District Council, to ensure all parts of the county are represented. The LAEP is being supported by technical expertise from Mott MacDonald and CAG Consultants.
Cllr Ros Hathorn, chair of the Energy and Green Investment committee at Cambridgeshire County Council said: “As a council, our target is for Cambridgeshire to reach Net Zero by 2045, to help communities and the natural environment adapt and thrive as the climate changes. This will support our vision of a greener, fairer, and more caring Cambridgeshire for all.
“'We are planning to make sure energy can meet demand, as the county changes and grows over the coming years and decades is really important to all of our futures. A robust energy network is vital for attracting investment, fostering innovation, and strengthening Cambridgeshire’s resilience.
“I would encourage all businesses and community groups - large or small - to take part in this important project. Your input will directly shape the future of energy in our county.”
More information on our website: Local Area Energy Planning
