Octopus Energy and National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) have introduced a new process to speed up the installation of heat pumps and other low carbon technologies, such as domestic batteries and electric vehicle chargers.
The additional power required by these clean tech devices can mean that the fuse on the incoming electricity supply would need to be upgraded by the local distribution network operator.
This new agreement allows Octopus Energy engineers to upgrade the fuse themselves at the same time as they are installing heat pumps, EV chargers and solar panels in their customers’ homes. The company says this removes a step in the process that could add up to 10 weeks to the installation.
NGED has also assessed the heat pumps installed by Octopus Energy and pre-approved them for connection across their network.
Cordi O’Hara, President, National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: “Over the last five years we’ve seen the number of electric vehicle chargers installed on our network increase by eight times, and the number of heat pumps triple. These new changes to the fuse upgrade process are part of our commitment to make it even easier for customers to connect low carbon technologies.”
Alex Schoch, Head of Flexibility at Octopus Energ, said: “Octopus has proven that by working together, DNOs and installers can bring heat pumps, EVs and solar into homes faster and cheaper, turbocharging the UK’s move to an electrified future.
“By upgrading fuses alongside clean tech installations, we are not only saving NGED resources, but also giving our customers back valuable time. It’s a win-win that highlights how critical collaboration is on our path to net zero.”
