Octopus Energy has partnered with distribution network operator, UK Power Networks (UKPN), to allow customers having heat pumps installed in their homes receive fuse upgrades at the same time.
When switching to heat pumps or electric vehicles (EVs) households often require fuse upgrades due to more power required to be directed into their homes. Historically, these upgrades have been performed by the distribution network operator (DNO), which can take up to 30 days in some parts of the country.
As part of the pilot scheme – which ran from February 2022 to February 2023 – UKPN trained Octopus engineers to perform these fuse upgrades during heat pump installations.
Octopus said this is the first time an accredited supplier has been permitted to perform fuse upgrades.
Due to the success of the trail Octopus has announced that the scheme will now be rolled out for EV charger fuse upgrades.
The partnership follows Octopus announcing the launch of a heat pump which – after the government grant – could cost a similar amount to gas boilers.
“By carrying out fuse upgrades at the same time as EV chargers and heat pumps, Octopus has not only saved homeowners time, but opened up a whole new world of possibilities for those who are itching to switch to green transport and heat,” said John Szymik, CEO of Octopus Energy Services.
“UK Power Networks has shown vision through initiating this project and worked closely with us to prove this can be done in a compliant and safe way. We would like to see more suppliers and DNOs to follow in our footsteps to make sure houses across the country have the means to decarbonise quickly and easily. This is the best way to wean ourselves off gas for good.”
Director of customer services and innovation at UKPN, Ian Cameron added: “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to switch to a heat pump, and training Octopus engineers means they can get it done there and then when the heat is needed, quickly and safely. Collaboration across the industry is key for the UK to achieve its net zero ambitions.”
