Octopus Energy data suggests that customers can get heat pumps, solar panels and EV chargers approved fastest in the South West, South East and South Wales whilst customers in Scotland face up to 45-day delays on average for solar installation.

The delays, Octopus says, are caused by inconsistent processes among Distribution Network Operators, who manage installation approvals across different regions, leading 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 seven and eight days for all technologies.

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.

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