Data reveals 'Postcode Lottery' for fastest heat pump and solar installations

• New Octopus Energy data finds customers can get heat pumps, solar panels and EV chargers approved fastest in the South West, South East and South Wales
• Customers in Scotland face up to 45-day delays on average for solar installation
• Comes as heat pump interest is booming, with enquiries increasing 144% in 2024 compared to the year before

London, 1st May - Octopus Energy, the UK’s largest heat pump installer, has today released new data revealing significant regional disparities in the time customers have to wait for approvals to install new EV chargers, heat pumps or solar panels*.

Such approvals are needed to ensure that 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 stands in stark contrast to the process for fossil-fuel alternatives, such as gas boilers, which don’t require the same approvals.

Approval times for clean technologies can range between 1 to 45 days, depending on where in the country customers live, the new Octopus’ data shows.

The delays are caused by inconsistent processes among Distribution Network Operators, who manage installation approvals across different regions.

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 shows 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.

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.

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.”

Octopus Energy has outlined five priority actions for DNOs to speed up the process, including increasing the rate of instant approvals and simplifying applications for common LCT installations.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

*Octopus assessment of 24,157 customer applications to install low-carbon technology across the UK between 1st April 2024 - 29th April 2025.

Press Contacts
Octopus Energy Group
press@octoenergy.com
+44 (0)20 4530 8369
About Octopus Energy Group
Octopus Energy is a global clean energy tech business, driving the affordable, green energy system of the future. Under its own retail brand, Octopus delivers world-class customer service and cutting edge energy products to 9 million households globally. Its operations span 32 countries and the entire energy value chain. The group invests in, builds and flexibly manages renewable energy, operating a £7 billion portfolio of projects.
Octopus has licensed its advanced data and machine learning platform, Kraken, to support over 60 million customer accounts worldwide through licensing deals with companies such as EDF, E.ON and Origin Energy. Kraken enables Octopus to drive the electrification of heat and transport through smart tariffs and innovative cleantech. Backed by pension funds, investors and energy giants, Octopus Energy Group businesses deliver cheaper, greener energy and cutting-edge tech to countries and customers worldwide. For more information, check out our website.