Consultation is open from 3 August 2026 9:00am to 25 September 2026 5:00pm
Policy I/EI: Energy infrastructure masterplanning
1. Proposals for at least 250 dwellings, 10,000 square metres of non-residential floorspace, and new data centres, will be required to provide Energy Masterplans of a scale and nature that would allow for the benefits of smart energy management to be identified and secured. These masterplans should include an assessment of:
a. The capacity of infrastructure to support the development;
b. Any necessary reinforcements to grid infrastructure;
c. The approach to energy provision to support net zero carbon development (in line with the requirements set out in Policy CC/NZ); and
d. Measures to help reduce peak demands on the electricity grid, including use of flexibility services, incorporation of smart meters and provision for battery storage and smart energy management of electric vehicle charge points, in order to shift demand away from peak times and help to smooth demand profiles.
2. To help support necessary grid reinforcements, land adjacent to existing grid infrastructure, including primary sub-stations, shall be safeguarded from other forms of development.
Supporting information
10.66. Work carried out to assess electricity grid capacity for Greater Cambridge has highlighted the need to triple capacity to support the development planned in the area under existing local plans and support the electrification of transport. The electricity grid serving the area has also seen a significant growth in renewable and low carbon energy generation.
10.67. While these capacity issues can be resolved through traditional grid reinforcement routes, there are opportunities to take a more joined up approach to infrastructure provision in order to support the transition to a net zero carbon society and open up the potential for some infrastructure to be forward funded to help speed up the delivery of key development sites.
10.68. Work carried out as part of the Cambridgeshire Local Area Energy Plan, which includes an addendum looking specifically at growth around Greater Cambridge, has identified the need for significant upgrades to existing grid infrastructure and the provision of new infrastructure, to support both growth and wider decarbonisation. This data has been shared with UK Power Networks (UKPN) to inform their ED3 Business Plan, which will cover the period from 2028 to 2032. While the Local Area Energy Plan is a strategic level document which presents a picture of capacity at a moment in time, more detailed work on masterplanning of strategic developments progresses will help to provide greater clarity as to the actual energy requirements and the infrastructure required to support development. This data will be used to keep the Cambridgeshire Local Area Energy Plan up to date and to help inform future rounds of business planning by UKPN.
10.69. In seeking to ensure that this approach is integrated at a very early stage, via the development of energy masterplans for strategic developments and data centres, this approach can also help to support funding of such infrastructure. This was the case for the provision of new infrastructure to support the development of the Cambridge East Grid and Trumpington Primary Sub Station, where the case was made for full Ofgem funding for the infrastructure given the level of employment growth that the new infrastructure would help to support.
10.70. This policy should be read in conjunction with Policy CC/RE Renewable energy projects and infrastructure, which establishes the approach to grid infrastructure capacity to support new renewable energy generation. The details of what an Energy Masterplan should contain are set out in the Sustainability Checklist, with further detail provided in a standalone technical note.
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For further guidance on how to submit comments, please see the Representation Guidance Note.
All comments must be received by 25 September 2026 at 5pm.