Learnings

Outcomes

At the time of writing the project has just completed the Discovery Stage. The outcomes of the Discovery Stage have been referenced in earlier sections but are also summarised in this section. 

1.    Engaged stakeholders internally and externally that have had input to the requirements definition, as well as design and validation of further prototype development. 

o   Local Authority user group

o   LAEP Practitioner user group

2.    A completed vendor selection process and chosen vendor with Advanced Infrastructure Technologies Limited to develop and deliver the free web based self service software.

3.    Completed a working prototype and released to stakeholders that will further support engagement between Local Net Zero Team and Local Authorities and enable the project to learn about what Local Authorities need through trial and testing. 

4.    Published Local Area Energy Planning dedicated page on the UK Power Networks Open Data Portal for Local Authorities and Energy Planners to access and support there LAEPs.

Lessons Learnt

The following lessons learnt have been identified:

1.    Design thinking and human centred approach has proven to be successful in capturing and validating user needs, pain points and opportunities that underpin the identification of high level requirements and supporting low level user stories for software development. Demonstrated through the user feedback provided at each stage of the engagement from interviews to workshops, and the iterative design and development activities for the prototype. The materials, capabilities and approach can be leveraged by other teams in UK Power Networks including future innovation projects. 

2.    The delivery of a multi-tender vendor selection process was delivered in line with regulatory requirements and followed meticulous project management and procurement processes. The result was the right vendor, product at the right price point and commercial arrangements. The materials and approach can be used by other innovation projects.  

3.    The definition of the user group for both the Local Authorities and the LAEP Practitioners has proven fruitful in coordinating engagement between the project team and external stakeholders. This approach could be extended to other innovation projects.  

4.    Insights from LAEP Practitioners user group include:

a.    Identified the biggest challenges being:

                                               i.     Access to consistent data with visibility of planned works.​

                                              ii.     Having a clear methodology for engaging with UK Power Networks.​

                                            iii.     Having channels and mechanisms to facilitate engagement with Local Authorities and wider stakeholders. 

                                            iv.     Different approaches and methodologies are needed in different geographic areas.​

                                             v.     Different approaches are being taken by parts of UK. In England LAEPs are generally funded on a case-by-case basis, in Wales, there is a central mandate, in Scotland, there is a LHES (Local Heat and Energy Strategy)

b.    They stated how they envisaged the tool being used:

                                               i.     Facilitating access to data to view future network capacity.​

                                              ii.     Supporting implementation of plans and deployment.​

                                            iii.     Facilitating the two-way communication between UK Power Networks and LAEP practitioners.

                                            iv.     Facilitating the ability to upload plan assumptions in multiple (i.e. multiple LCT upload).​

5.    Insights from LA user group specific to the prototype design include:

                                               i.     The gamification elements of the site were not necessary and suggested that they be toned down.

                                              ii.     There should be a common theme to identify stakeholders and responsibility and accountability for Net Zero.

                                            iii.     Confirmation that information and advice on each LAEP stage was important information to be included as a priority.