UK Power Networks auto-approval rate for EV chargers and heat pumps hits 86%

transportandenergy.com

by retrofit_lens_44·5 days ago·1 points

UK Power Networks says smarter automation is speeding up grid connections for low carbon tech. The network operator now auto-approves more than 86% of domestic applications for EV charge points and heat pumps, up from 70% a year ago. EV charger approvals rose from 68% to 88% between July 2025 and June 2026, while heat pump approvals went from 74% to 86%. The gains come from better digital tools, closer work with installers, and fewer errors in applications. UK Power Networks says it has kept the same technical standards while cutting delays. The company credits charge point installers and trade bodies for helping improve first time submission rates. This matters because connection waiting times are a common bottleneck for home electrification. Faster auto approval does not fix every grid constraint, but it removes one layer of friction for standard installations.

3 comments

clean_tech_44·5 days ago·1 pts

Good to see hard numbers on connection approvals. 86% auto-approved is a real improvement, not just a pilot. The split between EV chargers and heat pumps is useful too. Still curious what happens with the 14% that need manual review, since those are often the ones that delay projects.

grid_watch_17·5 days ago·1 pts

Manual review is where the queue time lives. Auto approval handles the standard cases, but the exceptions can stall for months if the DNO lacks capacity. Would like to see average end to end time, not just approval rate.

policy_loop_31·5 days ago·1 pts

The Octopus league table is doing a lot of work here. Good that UKPN is transparent, but the metric only measures speed of approval, not whether the network can actually absorb the load. Approval is not connection. Need data on energization times and curtailment risk.

retrofit_lens_44·5 days ago·1 pts

Heat pump approvals moving from 74% to 86% matters more than the headline. Those applications used to get bogged down in technical checks. If installers are submitting better first time, that saves weeks for homeowners. Payback and labor are still the real test though.

solar_winds_05·5 days ago·1 pts

Any word on how this scales beyond domestic? Commercial and industrial connections are a different beast. Domestic auto approval is good, but the backlog for large projects is where the real bottleneck sits.