The assessment, based on more than 24,000 customer applications between April 2024 and April 2025, showed approval times for clean technologies can range between 1 to 45 days, depending on where in the country customers live.
Delays are caused by inconsistent processes among Distribution Network Operators, who manage installation approvals across different regions.
Octopus says this disparity has led to a ‘postcode lottery’ where some homes are green-lit for upgrades within a few days, while others are left waiting for weeks.
The data revealed a clear north/south divide: customers in the north and Scotland are facing longer delays, especially for solar panel installations, while those in areas served by National Grid Electricity Distribution and UK Power Networks experience the shortest waits – averaging at 7 and 8 days for all technologies.
Such approvals are needed to ensure the local electricity network can support the new connection. If the network can’t cope, a grid upgrade may be required.
This process for clean technologies is in contrast to the process for fossil-fuel alternatives, such as gas boilers, which don’t require the same approvals.
With enquiries for heat pumps increasing 144% in 2024 compared to the year before and costs for solar panels coming down to record lows, Octopus is calling for urgent action to streamline the approval process, and speed up the UK’s push toward net zero.
Customers left in limbo during approval delays
Alex Schoch, Director of Electrification at Octopus Energy, said: “The UK’s journey to net zero depends on millions of people being able to install clean tech in their homes.
“While some are getting these quickly and efficiently, current delays in the worst-hit regions risk leaving many customers in limbo while waiting for approvals that should take hours, not weeks.
“We’re shining a light on the blockers and will continue to work with industry and networks to clear the way for faster, fairer access to clean energy tech.”
Five actions to speed up DNO approval process
Octopus Energy has outlined five priority actions for DNOs to speed up the process. It says:
Maximise the use of auto-approvals
DNOs can and do immediately approve low-carbon technology (LCT) connections if they meet certain criteria. To help installers, DNOs should immediately publish these criteria on which can connect and where, without works required.
Set a clear deadline for approval timings
Approvals currently have no deadline attached. This needs to change, with clear minimum standards to help give customers more confidence in the process. Equally, all technologies require a simple, streamlined process for submitting applications through ENA’s Direct Connect.
Update engineering assumptions
There are several ways that DNOs can change their methodologies for faster approvals, such as:
- Using actual data to set demand thresholds: Today many DNOs use theoretical maximum demand assumptions that don’t reflect reality and these can be updated with real customer data.
- Increase solar ‘G98’ thresholds: DNOs will automatically approve solar installs below 3.68kW, but this threshold can be increased. UKPN already has a 5kW limit and has sector leading performance on solar installs.
- Proactive voltage management: Data shows an average voltage level of 243V across the UK, which adds costs to consumers and makes it more difficult to connect LCTs such as solar. DNOs must adopt proactive strategies to optimise levels across their areas and enable more connections. Statutory voltage limits should also be reviewed to be in line with EU standards of 230V +/-10%.
Enable flexible solutions to mitigate risk
Some DNOs already promote load limiting devices or flexible technologies to approve LCTs more quickly. These creative solutions should be maximised and best practice followed across the sector.
Allow third parties to carry out essential works
Collaborating with and allowing third parties to carry out works, such fuse upgrades, can cut installation times by minimising the number of house visits required. UKPN and NGED already allow Octopus to carry out fuse upgrades for customers, significantly reducing install delays.
Image credit: Octopus Energy
