UK Power Networks has launched Loadscape, a data-led project designed to improve understanding of commercial and industrial electricity demand on the low voltage network. Working with Environmental Insight Partners, the electricity distributor is analysing millions of half-hourly business electricity readings using AI and advanced analytics. The project identifies demand patterns across sectors including schools, supermarkets, warehouses and manufacturing sites. UK Power Networks expects the work to support faster customer connections, more efficient planning and better use of existing network capacity.

A Clearer View Of Demand

Every half hour, electricity use by businesses produces a digital record. Loadscape combines these readings to build a more detailed picture of how commercial and industrial customers use power through the day, over different seasons and in response to external factors.

Early analysis has identified distinct and predictable electricity demand behaviours among different business sectors. The findings offer a more dynamic view of the low voltage network, where monitoring and analysis have traditionally relied on manual approaches.

By developing detailed usage profiles, the project aims to show not only how the network is performing today, but also how it is likely to perform tomorrow. This provides a useful evidence base for network planning as electricity demand changes across the areas served by UK Power Networks.

AI For Network Planning

Loadscape applies AI and advanced analytics to data from commercial and industrial customers. Its focus is on finding common demand behaviours at scale, allowing planning teams to assess patterns that may not be apparent through individual readings or manual reviews.

The project’s sector-level insight could help the network operator make more informed investment decisions, particularly where connection requests and existing electricity use need to be considered together. Better visibility of demand can also support more efficient allocation of network capacity.

Luca Grella, Head of Innovation at UK Power Networks, said:

“Loadscape is about turning data into better outcomes for our customers. By building a clearer picture of how commercial and industrial customers use electricity, we can make faster, more informed decisions on new connections, shorten timelines, and make the best possible use of our existing network.”

Supporting Business Customers

A central objective for Loadscape is improving the process for new business connections. Understanding when and where electricity is used can help network planners assess available capacity more quickly and identify opportunities to make better use of infrastructure already in place.

The analysis will also support the Business Priority Register. By identifying relevant business customers, UK Power Networks can help ensure they receive extra support if they experience a power cut.

For businesses whose operations depend on reliable electricity, clearer insight into local network demand has practical value. The project brings customer connection planning, network reliability and customer support into a single data-informed programme.

Partnership For Resilience

Environmental Insight Partners is working with UK Power Networks’ planning teams on the project, combining electricity-use data with analytical methods intended to deliver operational improvements. The collaboration is focused on customer connection outcomes and a more resilient network.

Colin McKinnon, Chief Executive of Environmental Insight Partners, said:

“UK Power Networks is known for championing network innovation and we are pleased to be working in partnership with planning teams to help deliver key customer connection improvements and support a more resilient network.”

Data Informed Network Decisions

Loadscape demonstrates how half-hourly electricity readings can be used beyond billing and individual consumption records. By bringing millions of data points together, UK Power Networks is creating a more detailed understanding of the patterns shaping demand across its low voltage network.

The approach offers a practical route to stronger planning decisions as business electricity needs vary by sector, time of day and season. With its emphasis on faster connections, effective use of existing assets and improved support for customers during outages, the project presents a promising application of AI in electricity distribution.