DNO Permission for Heat Pumps
Thinking about installing a heat pump but wondering what's involved with the electrics? Before any heat pump can be connected, you are required to get permission from your District Network Operator (DNO), the company responsible for the local electricity network.
This is because the DNO, who are responsible for managing the network, need to check whether the local network can handle the additional load from a new heat pump installation. If you install a heat pump without permission, you could be forced to remove it.
DNO applications for existing electricity supplies are handled by us, in-house, as part of our service. When considering which heat pump partner to choose, this is an important factor to consider. Navigating the DNO process can be a challenge, and it is a requirement of MCS to have the DNO permission in place for a heat pump installation.
What Is A DNO And Why Does It Matter?
Image: Ofgem
DNO stands for District Network Operator. In the UK there are 14 different DNO regions, managed by 6 separate DNOs, each responsible for looking after the local electrical network in their area. The DNO is separate from your energy supplier - part of your energy bill goes to the local DNO for managing the electricity connection to your house.
The vast majority of upgrade work, where it's needed, is completed by the DNO free of charge - so there's rarely a cost to applying, and it always makes sense to get permission sorted before you install.
What Is A DNO Application?
If you're connecting a heat pump to your existing electricity supply, navigating the various DNO forms and processes can be complicated. That's why we handle the DNO application process for you.
If you're installing a brand new electricity supply, for example for a new build home or a self-build or barn conversion, we can't submit the application on your behalf, but we provide all the information you need to include in your new connection application.
Connecting A Heat Pump To An Existing Supply
If you're installing a heat pump in your home, it will need to connect to your existing electricity supply. We apply to the DNO on your behalf. Here's how it works:
We collect information about your current electricity supply and load, either on site during your survey, or via photos of your incoming fuse, fuse board, and meter.
We assess the new Maximum Demand (MD) of the property once the heat pump is factored in.
If the new MD is over 60A (as it is in most cases), we prepare and submit a DNO application using the industry standard documents.
If upgrade works are needed, this is usually done free of charge, especially where your current supply rating is lower than typical for the UK.
Once the DNO confirms permission to connect, your heat pump installation can go ahead.
connecting a heat pump to a new supply
If you're building a new house or barn conversion, you'll likely be getting a new electricity supply to the site. In these cases, we can't complete the DNO application for you: instead, the heat pump data needs to be built into your own application for the new supply. We provide all of this information as standard, and our technical support team is on hand for any extra detail your application requires.
When Is The DNO Application Made?
As early as possible
Once we've completed the detailed MCS room-by-room calculations and technical sign-off, we'll know exactly which heat pump you're having. At that point, we'll let you know if we need any further information about your supply.
A number of DNOs are currently struggling with application volumes, causing significant delays. A process that should typically take around 10 days is in some cases taking 2–3 months. As a result, we ask customers to provide the information we need as early as possible, even if the installation itself isn't happening for a while, so we can secure permission and avoid holding up the project later on.
Ready To Get Started?
If you're considering a heat pump on your next project, get in touch and our team will be able to assist with the DNO process.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. It’s a requirement to get permission from your District Operator before connecting a heat pump, and it’s also a requirement of MCS. Installing without permission could mean you're forced to remove the heat pump or pay for upgrade works retrospectively.
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In most cases, no. The majority of upgrade work required by a DNO is completed free of charge, particularly if your current supply rating is lower than what's typical in the UK.
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It varies by region. The process should typically take around 10 days, but due to high demand, some DNOs are currently taking 2 to 3 months. That's why we recommend starting the application as early as possible.