Data reveals 'postcode lottery' for clean tech installations

Octopus Energy 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 one 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 seven and eight 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, says, “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. For more from Octopus Energy, click here.

ECN May issue out now!

The May issue of ECN is OUT NOW and packed with insights and information on the topics you care about. Read the issue here.  From the Editor Hello and welcome to the May issue of ECN. The sun is starting to shine and as I write this it feels like summer is finally on the way! In April, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) released a comprehensive independent study on the costs of installing high voltage electricity transmission lines overground, underground and sub-sea. This report aims to inform the Government’s ambitious plans to upgrade Britain’s power grid, the largest since the 1960s. A major increase in the transmission network’s capacity is essential to harness wind energy and meet growing electricity demand, leading to greener, more affordable power. The report details the costs of different technologies, such as overhead lines, underground cables and subsea solutions. For example, a 15km, 5000MW overhead line costs nearly £40m, while an underground cable costs around £330m. Non-cost factors like visual and environmental impacts, sustainability and engineering challenges are also considered in the report. Underground cables, though less visually intrusive, are more expensive and viable only in certain terrains. This study provides crucial insights for the UK’s journey towards a net zero power grid. Professor Andrew Lovett, member of the report’s Project Board and Professor of Geography at the University of East Anglia, says, “This situation is complex with no simple environmental choices. When deciding between underground cables, overhead lines or subsea cables off Britain’s coast, we must consider a complex range of impacts unique to each project. Each technology needs to be evaluated based on its specific context, including engineering challenges, local impacts and costs.” This issue covers a range of topics including Circuit Protection & Switchgear; Fire, Safety & Security; HVAC; and Lighting Controls, so you’ll have plenty to read, hopefully in the May sunshine! Plus, catch up on all the latest industry news and don’t miss our interview with Mike Costain, Managing Director of InstallerSHOW organiser Lyrical Communications, where we discuss the show’s continued expansion into the electrical sector. And don’t forget to enter our competition to be in with a chance of winning the ultimate Trade Tub bundle, courtesy of Unicrimp. To be kept up to date on everything that is happening in your industry, please also follow us on your socials – you can find us on LinkedIn, Instagram, X and Facebook. I hope you enjoy the issue – see you next month!  I hope you enjoy this issue – see you next month! Carly Weller Group Editor

Advanced provides fire protection to Eribé knitwear

Fire protection solutions manufacturer, Advanced, has supplied an intelligent fire panel with wireless detection to Scottish knitwear brand, Eribé. An Advanced MxPro 5 analogue addressable fire panel has been installed at Eribé Knitwear to provide protection that is high-performance and fault-tolerant. The system was installed following a fire risk assessment which required Category L2 coverage. Founded in 1986, Eribé’s knitwear design house and manufacturing company is based in Melrose, in the Scottish Borders. The company prides itself in championing Made in Scotland and has a dedicated customer base worldwide. During 2024, the company took time to assess the whole business to strengthen its internal and external systems and processes for its staff and customers. As part of this process, Eribé reviewed its fire system to ensure full compliance and prioritise staff, premises, and customer safety by investing in Advanced fire protection. Fire and security service providers, Safe Services, installed an Advanced MxPro 5 single-loop analogue addressable fire panel to replace the existing fire system, as it was old and could not be brought up to standard. Since the MxPro 5 was being retrofitted at Eribé, the Advanced panel was seamlessly integrated with an EMS Firecell wireless system, this simplified the installation since cabling was not required throughout the building. Tamsin Ansdell, Eribé Knitwear, comments, “In 2024, we reviewed our business as a whole to strengthen our processes. The safety of our staff, premises, and customers was a priority and so we were fully behind investing in an Advanced fire safety system. We are now really proud to say that with the help of Safe Services, our extended team, managers and directors feel far more knowledgeable regarding the risks and actions, and the whole team feels safer and more invested in it as a result.” Graeme Millar, Fire Technical Sales Engineer at Safe Services, remarks, “We were responsible for the installation, commissioning, verification and handover of the system at Eribé, and will also be conducting ongoing maintenance. As we installed the Advanced panel with the wireless EMS Firecell, it made it far more straightforward and meant less disruption for Eribé. We have several sites we have worked on with the same combination, and know the Advanced MxPro 5 works well with EMS equipment. The Advanced MxPro 5 is our panel of choice as it’s a trusted and reliable panel with our design and installation teams.” Neil Parkin, Sales Manager at Advanced, adds, “Choosing wireless equipment when installing a fire system is ideal for retrofitting, where cabling can be trickier to install and visually unappealing. Add to that the time and cost benefits they provide to installers, and it is a great choice in multiple scenarios both large and small. Our MxPro 5 panels are designed to make life as easy as possible, delivering robust protection that offers real peace of mind, all backed up by our highly rated technical support.” MxPro 5 is the fire industry’s leading multiprotocol fire panel and is certified by FM Approvals to the EN 54 standard. It offers customers a choice of four detector protocols and a completely open installer network, backed up by free training and support. MxPro 5 can be used in single-loop, single-panel format, or easily configured into high-speed networks of up to 200 panels covering huge areas. Ease of installation and configuration, as well as its wide range of peripheral options, make MxPro 5 customisable to almost any application. As well as compatibility with leading wired detector brands, MxPro 5’s versatile wireless capabilities make it easy to install robust fire alarm systems whilst saving crucial time, cost and disruption. Harnessing the power of proven technology, MxPro 5’s wireless solutions are scalable, adaptable, and reliable – for complete fire safety peace of mind. Wireless solutions not only mean lower visual and physical impact, but they are also faster and cheaper to install, making them an increasingly popular alternative for sites where downtime is not an option, or re-wiring would prove disruptive. Thanks to two-way communication with the panel, battery replacement and fault reporting can also be worked into the ongoing maintenance schedule via the panel service tools. The MxPro 5’s stand-out false alarm management capabilities are available as standard. AlarmCalm delivers unprecedented control of verification and investigation delays. By dividing sites up into virtual false alarm ‘building areas’ independent of fire zones, much more precise control of false alarm management and reduction strategies can be achieved that exactly fit the needs of each part of a building. An optional AlarmCalm button allows trained occupants to verify if they believe a local fire signal is a false alarm too – a highly effective way of eliminating unwanted alarms. As a specialist developer and manufacturer of intelligent fire systems, Advanced products are specified in locations around the world, from single-panel installations to large, multi-site networks. The Advanced portfolio includes complete fire detection systems, multiprotocol fire panels, extinguishing control, false alarm management and reduction systems. For more from Advanced, click here.

Electricians vital in wake of recent power outages

Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, explains why the chaos in Portugal and Spain shines a very bright light on why we need to recognise the vital role that electricians play in the smooth functioning of society. It has come as a shock of unprecedented voltage, not just in Spain and Portugal but across the Western world, that nations hit by the failure of their electricity grid could grind to a halt so swiftly, unexpectedly and comprehensively. The electricity outages which paralysed two European nations this week have been the lead item on news outlets everywhere, with images of traffic chaos, empty supermarket shelves and bewildered passengers being led from stranded trains. Cash machines stopped working, phones went down and the internet was no longer there at our fingertips. Water supplies powered by electric pumps dried up, lifts stopped mid-floor and even electric taxis and buses rolled quietly to a halt. For now, the cause appears to be natural phenomena; an unforeseen combination of unusual circumstances rather than the result of human error or cyber attack. And while lessons will hopefully be learned about the necessity of resilience and backup systems, these scenes of chaos and fear should open everyone’s eyes to the most obvious element – the vital importance of electricity and of those who keep the lights switched on. This is exactly why SELECT, the trade association for the electrotechnical sector in Scotland, has spent years persistently campaigning for the professional recognition of electricians and their crucial role in sustaining the way we have all learned to live. We used to say that the future was electric, but the scenes we all witnessed this week show that the now is electric – and we all depend on it to a staggering extent in every facet of our lives. Spain and Portugal showed us in graphic detail just how vulnerable and dependent we are. And when systems fail – as they inevitably will again in the future – it is fully-trained and suitably skilled electrical professionals who will reconnect us with our lives and each other. If ever there was a time to recognise their importance, it is now. And regulating the industry and providing protection of title for this crucial profession would be the best recognition of all. For more from SELECT, click here.

Homeowners seeking greater energy efficiency, survey finds

A recent survey by Drayton Controls and Schneider Electric found that home improvements to increase energy efficiency are the most popular among UK homeowners. The survey found that home improvements that could result in energy savings were top of the list for 89% of homeowners. This ranked above other measures such as improving comfort and convenience (82%), making the property more sustainable (64%), installing home security (60%), design and aesthetic improvements (62%), and increasing the size of the property (36%). This comes on the back of the energy crisis, with the average annual bill costing about £750 more compared to 2020-21, according to Ofgem. As such, energy efficiency has become more important to more homeowners than ever before. However, following the axing of winter fuel payments last year, the survey found that those aged 55 and over (52%) were most concerned about energy efficiency, whereas less than half of those aged 35-54 (46%) or 18-34 (43%) felt it was important. When it comes to the smart home tech that homeowners believe will contribute to improving energy efficiency, smart thermostats were the top choice (54%), outranking smart lighting (48%), smart EV charging (30%) and smart sensors (28%). This presents a prime opportunity for installers to identify new work, as 54% of homeowners who invested in a smart thermostat relied on a professional to install it. And when it comes to spending, 27% of homeowners in the UK are prepared to spend up to £1,000 on home improvements that would increase energy efficiency, and 12% would spend between £1,000-£5,000. Merlin Milner, Product Owner for Water-based Systems at Drayton, comments, “This survey highlights a clear trend - homeowners are prioritising energy efficiency more than ever, creating a significant opportunity for installers. With over half of those investing in smart thermostats relying on professional installation, there’s never been a better time for heating engineers and electricians to have a solution they are well versed in that can help customers reduce energy costs. “This includes systems like Wiser, which can help save up to 30% on energy bills thanks to features like multi-zoning and smart modes. Plus, installers can get familiar with Wiser via our online training course, available on Drayton Rewards+.” For more from Drayton Controls, click here.

Electricians named most trusted source for green home advice

Electricians are the most trusted advisers in the UK when it comes to clean energy technologies like solar panels, heat pumps, and electric vehicle chargers, according to new YouGov polling commissioned by ECA (Electrical Contractors’ Association), in collaboration with electrical certification body, Certsure. The findings, published today as part of ECA’s new Blueprint for Electrification: Delivering the UK’s Transition to Clean Power report, show: - Almost a quarter (24%) of UK adults say they would trust a qualified electrician more than any other source – including authorities – to advise on which clean technologies to choose. - Particularly high trust among the youngest respondents (18-24: 35%) - Strongest in the East Midlands (28%) and Northern Ireland (30%). - Government agencies, such as Ofgem, are the second-most trusted at 18%, with the strongest trust among slightly older respondents (45-54: 21%) and social grade ABC1 (20%). ECA’s Blueprint outlines 10 actionable recommendations for the UK government, calling for electricians to be placed at the heart of net zero strategies to accelerate electrification in homes, businesses, and communities. Andrew Eldred, Deputy CEO of ECA, comments, "Electricians are on the frontline of the UK’s shift to cleaner energy – not just installing new technologies like heat pumps and solar panels, but guiding households through the process. This polling shows they are the public’s most trusted advisers, yet their insight remains an untapped source in national net zero planning. Policymakers should harness that trust and expertise into national strategies if we want to make the transition faster, fairer, and more effective." ECA polling also highlights significant barriers facing households in making their homes greener: - Upfront cost remains the biggest obstacle, cited by 40% of adults as their primary reason for not adopting clean technologies. - Higher concern among older age groups (45-54: 48%, 55+: 40%) and those in lower social grades (ABC1: 42%). - Most significant in the Midlands (46%), North East (51%), and particularly in Northern Ireland (57%). - Housing tenure presents a major barrier for renters, with 43% of private renters highlighting their rental status as preventing adoption. - Lack of trustworthy advice is an issue for 6% of the population, rising to 9% among younger adults (25–34). Despite these challenges, electricians consistently top public trust rankings, demonstrating their crucial role in the UK's energy transition. However, government initiatives often overlook electricians in public campaigns and policy decisions. Jeremy Parkin, an electrician from South Wales with over 35 years of experience, notes, “Every day I see how confusing the shift to greener homes can be for people. People want clear advice from someone who knows the practicalities, costs, and what technology suits their homes. “Electricians like me are often the first point of call - we’re trusted, we're local, and we understand these technologies from first-hand experience. If our trusted role could be properly integrated into national policy, we could help thousands more households transition to greener homes faster, more easily, and with greater confidence.” ECA calls for public trust to be matched by policy action To ensure electricians can fully play their role as trusted advisers at the frontline of the UK’s energy transition, ECA is calling on policymakers to urgently establish a national electrification taskforce. A dedicated electrification taskforce would: - Coordinate cross-departmental policy and planning, ensuring electricians’ trusted role is embedded in national net zero strategies. - Help overcome the current fragmented approach, unlocking faster adoption of clean technologies such as heat pumps, solar panels, and EV charging infrastructure. - Directly harness the high level of public trust electricians command, providing households with accessible, reliable, and actionable advice. The Blueprint for Electrification also includes further recommendations, drawing on data from ECA’s Electrical Skills Index, extensive industry consultations, and new YouGov polling, calling for: - Long-term policy certainty, to unlock sustained investment and effective planning. - Skills reform, including better-funded apprenticeship pathways to address workforce gaps. - Targeted incentives to boost the number of qualified electricians entering the sector. - Resilient supply chains to ensure reliable and affordable access to essential low carbon technology. - Simplified and consistently enforced building regulations to streamline installations. - Electricity pricing reform, rebalancing levies to encourage adoption of electrified solutions. - Faster planning and improved grid connections, reducing delays in delivering critical infrastructure. - Fairer procurement and payment practices to support SMEs within the electrical contracting sector. - Improved public awareness, leveraging national campaigns to educate and empower households through trusted electrical professionals. Commenting on the launch of the Blueprint, Jason Poulter, National Officer for Construction at Unite, says, “Unite the Union is fully supportive of ECA’s Blueprint for Electrification. Competent qualified electricians are key for the construction, retrofit, repair and maintenance of infrastructure, industry, commerce, housing, clean heat, and sustainable energy across the total construction and built environment process. Unite look forward to working further with ECA in securing the very best in electrical skills for society.” To read the Blueprint for Electrification report in full, click here. For more from ECA, click here.

Apatura secures planning consent for new BESS

Renewable energy storage specialist, Apatura, has received planning consent for a new grid-scale 50-megawatt, 100MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) near the town of East Kilbride in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. The 5.5-acre site is the ninth BESS development that Apatura has secured planning permission for in the last 16 months, bringing its portfolio to over 1.5GW. Apatura chose the location for its latest project primarily for its proximity to the East Kilbride Substation. When completed, the project will connect to this substation and collect, store and discharge renewably generated energy onto the grid as and when it's needed. The proposed site is located half a mile outside East Kilbride, on land 150 metres south-east of East Kilbride Substation on Cairnmuir Road. It will consist of 16 battery container units plus associated infrastructure, including transformers and a substation building. The development will be screened from all directions with native planting and will be operational for a period of 40 years, after which time the land will be restored to its original condition. Importantly, the decision notice granting planning permission concluded that "there would be no significant long-term impacts on the environmental quality of the green belt," and that the project would "make a contribution towards tackling climate change, mitigation and adaptation, and would be a positive response to the global climate emergency and nature crisis." The site was also recognised as delivering "a net economic gain and community benefits, including local employment and supply chain opportunities." Andrew Philpott, Chief Development Officer at Apatura, comments, “Battery storage facilities like our planned development at East Kilbride underpin the ongoing expansion of the UK’s renewable energy generation capability. They make a significant contribution to enhancing UK grid security and grid stability and are integral to enabling our country to decarbonise its energy system and its economy and achieve its net zero targets. “Battery storage will also help to deliver stable energy prices, leading to reduced bills for households and businesses. It will contribute to greater energy security and independence for the UK in the future. “Construction of the project will provide a significant boost to the local East Kilbride economy. It will directly create jobs with the construction, operational, and decommissioning phases of the project, and also indirectly in the supply chain and related services.” A BESS is an advanced technology system designed to store electrical energy during periods of high generation and low demand, which can then be exported back into the grid network during periods of high demand. This latest approval follows the news last week that Apatura had secured planning permission for a 40-megawatt (MW), 80MWh BESS in the village of Eaglesham in the county of East Renfrewshire, 10 miles from East Kilbride.

Daikin announces training course milestone

Daikin, an HVAC specialist and a provider of free training courses, has announced that in 2024, it delivered face-to-face training to 6,132 installers, equipping professionals with the skills needed to implement low-carbon heating and cooling solutions effectively. Daikin says that this initiative reinforces the company's commitment to empowering UK installers, commissioning, and service engineers with the knowledge they need to drive a more sustainable future. Over the past year, Daikin onboarded 11 new Sustainable Home Centre training suites, enhancing its capacity to deliver quality education across the UK. Daikin also supported 46 third-party training centres by providing essential products to help them meet their own training needs. These efforts were met with high levels of participant satisfaction, reflected by a consistent net promoter score (NPS) of over 90%. Furthermore, Daikin delivered more than £40,000 worth of Government-funded heat pump training, making a significant contribution to the UK’s green energy transition. Daniel Jackson, Training Manager at Daikin, says, "At Daikin, we don't only path the way with our revolutionary heat pump technology, we offer industry-leading training to support it. As a true net zero company, we recognise that driving towards these goals starts with training and that is why training is always at the foundation of everything we do. Therefore, it is extremely exciting to highlight our recent successes which include training over 6,000 people across our five national training centres during 2024. “Despite this success, we still have to innovate to support the growing needs of UK installers, commissioning and service engineers and have some exciting new plans for 2025, which include opening more training centres, delivering more Heat Pump Training Grant funded courses on behalf of the UK Government, and expanding our portfolio of free training. Not only are we building upon the successes of our training centres, but in 2025 we will further expand our existing 40-plus Sustainable Home Training Centres so that training is on the doorsteps to most engineers.” Looking ahead to 2025, Daikin is committed to expanding its training offering, and making training even more accessible for engineers across the UK. It has acquired an additional building to expand the existing training capability in Manchester, and will further expand its existing network of over 40 Sustainable Home Training Centres. It also aims to broaden its portfolio of free training to support the growing needs of installers and engineers. Daikin’s training programmes are provided free of charge, helping to reduce the financial burden on individuals while also offering a complimentary lunch. The comprehensive curriculum covers a full range of training on both Altherma and DX products, including installation, diagnostics, and fault-finding, ensuring that all professional needs are addressed. Daikin has five training centres across the UK, in Woking, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow. To learn more about Daikin’s training courses and to book a place, click here. For more from Daikin, click here.

Makita doubles battery warranty

Power tool manufacturer, Makita UK, is enhancing its standard factory warranty policy on batteries from one to two years. Since 1 April 2025, any genuine Makita battery purchased will automatically qualify for a two-year standard warranty without requiring any product registration, and this applies to XGT, LXT and CXT battery platforms. Makita offers an extensive collection of power tools, cleaning machines, landscaping equipment, and more. Developed using innovative battery technology, the Makita range provides professionals with the ability to work flexibly, and for long periods of time. The increase in the standard factory warranty offers further confidence to users in the quality and reliability of Makita batteries. “Makita batteries are developed using the latest technology to ensure products are powerful and built for tough, long-term professional use,” comments Tony Coleman, Technical Services Manager at Makita UK. “The new warranty applies to all genuine Makita batteries purchased in the UK from 1 April 2025 onwards and these batteries will automatically qualify without the need to register them. This is a clear indication of our confidence in the technology that underpins all of our products, as well as our commitment to supporting tradespeople across the UK.” For more from Makita UK, click here.

Contactum announced as ECN Awards Drinks Reception sponsor

ECN has announced that Contactum will be joining the impressive sponsor line-up at the ECN Awards 2025. The company will sponsor the Drinks Reception at the event, which takes place on 27 November 2025 at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Coventry. Contactum says it is delighted to be sponsoring the Drinks Reception and is excited to network with industry peers and make new connections. Sponsoring awards that celebrate the best of the electrical contracting industry aligns with Contactum’s values – supporting industry professionals and celebrating one another’s success and growth. Dan Hewson, CEO of Contactum, says, “The ECN Awards are something that we look forward to every year. As a company who prides itself on innovation and quality, we at Contactum fully support celebrating the successes of the wider electrical profession, manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers, and obviously contractors. We wish all entrants good luck for the evening and look forward to seeing you there.” Each year the ECN Awards grows with momentum and helps showcase those in the electrical field who are trailblazing and making substantial efforts to improve the industry, including development of products, technology, services and career development. Over the last 12 months, Contactum has seen the launch of new innovative products to the industry that have brought functional solutions for distributors and wholesalers to stock, and ultimately for contractors to use in their work. Each product launch is born from the company’s commitment – Quality by Design. Leading the charge in innovation, companies in the electrical contracting industry are dedicated to enhancing safety, efficiency and sustainability across all sectors, and it is vital to acknowledge their remarkable efforts and accomplishments. If you believe your product, company or project is worthy of an ECN Award, we encourage you to enter when entries open on 2 June 2025.