Do I Need DNO Permission for Solar, a Battery, Heat Pump or EV Charger? (Essex 2026)

On Monday 26 October 2026, Ofgem, the government and energy companies launched a new drive to make it easier for homes and businesses to connect solar panels, batteries, heat pumps and EV chargers to the grid. According to BusinessGreen, the aim set out by Ofgem is "instant, plug-and-play connections for household energy devices and appliances by 2032". That is a long-term goal, so what are the rules today? This guide explains when your local electricity network operator (DNO) needs to be told, when it needs to approve the work first, and what that means for homes and businesses in Thurrock, Stanford-le-Hope, Corringham, Upminster and across Essex. It is accurate as of 27 October 2026.

What was announced on 26 October 2026?

The initiative runs under the Electricity Networks Innovation Taskforce programme and forms part of Ofgem's strategic vision for innovation. It is being delivered with the Energy Systems Catapult, Ideaonomy and SP Energy Networks, and brings in firms including Octopus Energy, E.ON, Renbee and UK Power Networks.

The first stage will look at the main barriers to connecting heat pumps, EV chargers and solar panels to the grid without prior approval. Recommendations are due in a practical action plan before the end of the year.

Nothing changes for your installation today, but it shows where the rules are heading.

What is a DNO, and who is mine in Essex?

The DNO (distribution network operator) owns and runs the cables, substations and the service head (cut-out) that bring electricity into your property. It is not your energy supplier. In Essex the network operator is UK Power Networks. For power cuts, call 105.

Do I need DNO permission to install an EV charger or heat pump?

Every EV charger or heat pump added to an existing property must be reported to the DNO, according to the Energy Networks Association (ENA). It is either a notification after the work or an application before it:

• Connect and notify: if your installer's maximum demand calculation shows the property, including the new load, stays within the known supply rating and at or below 60A per phase, with no safety concerns, the charger or heat pump can be fitted and the DNO notified within 28 days.

• Apply first: you must contact the DNO before installing if the demand would exceed the supply capacity, the supply rating is unknown, there are safety concerns about the cut-out or fuse, the supply is looped (shared with a neighbour) or unmetered, or an upgrade is clearly needed.

Heat pumps have extra conditions for the notify route, including a total heat pump maximum demand of no more than 32A and a model listed as "connect and notify" in the ENA database. If reinforcement is needed, the ENA form notes that any costs may be charged to the customer.

Do I need DNO permission for solar panels or a home battery?

Solar panels and batteries are generation and storage, so they fall under the ENA's engineering recommendations G98 and G99.

• G98: covers equipment with a total rating up to 16A per phase, which G98 defines as 3.68kW on a single-phase supply or 11.04kW on three-phase. These can generally be installed and the DNO notified within 28 days of commissioning.

• G99: if the total capacity of solar, battery and any vehicle-to-grid equipment is above 3.68kW per phase (before any export limiting), you need to apply to the DNO and follow G99 before connecting.

Because solar and a battery count together, many combined systems need a G99 application. This can affect your timescale, so it is worth raising early.

Who handles the DNO paperwork?

In practice your installer should carry out the maximum demand calculation, check the supply and complete the notification or application. For solar and batteries, an MCS-certified installer will also deal with the certification you need for export payments under the Smart Export Guarantee. For more on that, see our solar and battery installation page.

Will the new plan make installs quicker?

That is the intention. Ofgem's stated aim is plug-and-play connections by 2032, but no rule changes have been announced yet. Until then, follow the current ENA process. If you are planning an EV charger, heat pump, air conditioning, solar or battery, a survey will show whether your supply can take the extra load. See our EV chargers, heat pumps and air conditioning page. For businesses, see our commercial electrician page.

FAQ

Do I have to tell the DNO about a new EV charger?

Yes. According to the ENA, every EV charger or heat pump added to an existing property must be either notified within 28 days or applied for before installation.

What size solar system needs DNO approval?

If total solar, battery and V2G capacity is above 3.68kW per phase (16A), you need to apply under G99 before connecting.

Has the 26 October announcement changed the rules?

No. It starts a review, with an action plan due by the end of 2026 and a 2032 goal for plug-and-play connections.

Planning solar, a battery, an EV charger or a heat pump in Essex?

CPW Electrical Solutions LTD is an electrical contractor based in Thurrock, covering Thurrock, Stanford-le-Hope, Corringham, Upminster and the wider Essex area. We are NICEIC Approved Contractors (607863000), MCS certified (NIC602214) and certified Tesla Powerwall and Wall Connector installers, with £2m public liability and £300k professional indemnity insurance. Call 07545 571230 (phone answered 7am to 7pm, with 24-hour emergency call-outs available) or request a quote.