Smarter automation is transforming how low carbon technologies (LCTs) connect to the electricity network, according to UK Power Networks.
Over the past year, UK Power Networks has significantly increased the number of domestic electric vehicle (EV) charge point and heat pump applications that can be approved automatically, helping customers install LCTs more quickly while maintaining the same robust technical standards.
UK Power Networks now automatically approves more 86% of applications for electric vehicle charge points and heat pumps, up from 70% a year ago, making it the industry leader for auto-approvals for two years running according to the annual league table published by Octopus Energy.
While the overall auto-approval rate now exceeds 86%, individual approval rates have continued to improve across both technologies. For EV charge points, approvals increased from 68% in July 2025 to 88% in June 2026, while heat pump approvals rose from 74% to 86% over the same period.
The increase has been driven by a combination of enhanced digital tools, improved collaboration with installers and ongoing refinements to approval processes.
Working closely with installers and industry trade associations, UK Power Networks has helped improve understanding of application requirements, reducing avoidable errors and increasing the number of applications submitted correctly first time, it said.
Ashley Southgate, low carbon technology strategy manager at UK Power Networks, said:
“As more customers move to electric vehicles, heat pumps and other low-carbon technologies, it’s vital that connecting them to the network is simple and straightforward.
“By investing in smarter digital tools, streamlining our processes and working closely with the industry, we’ve increased automatic approvals while maintaining the high safety and reliability standards our customers expect.
“This success reflects a genuine collaboration across the industry. It is thanks also to our partners who include charge point installers, and trade bodies for their support and challenge, as well as the outstanding teams across UK Power Networks. Together, we’re ensuring the network helps enable the UK’s transition to Net Zero.”
Tej Patel, managing director at Renbee, said:
“Smart Connect and the operating model that underpins it from UK Power Networks is not only critical to the adoption of low carbon technologies, it sets the benchmark all other distribution network operators (DNOs) should strive for. It’s not just the focus on customer journey but the drive to improve approval thresholds, reduce response times and increase installer adoption that enhance trust between platforms like Renbee, our installer network and the DNO.”
Image courtesy of UK Power Networks
