Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether the National Grid is under a (a) statutory and (b) regulatory obligation to process solar panel installation applications within a specified timeframe.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
For solar installations of 3.68kW per phase, or below, no application is required. The Distribution Network Operator (DNO) must only be notified within 30 days of the installation. For larger projects, DNOs are required to provide a connection offer within 45-65 working days, depending on the size of the installation. Customers are entitled to compensation should these deadlines be missed.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate he has made of the potential impact of delays in (a) processing applications for solar panel installations and (b) issuing Distributor Network Operator reference numbers on household finances.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
No estimate has been made.
Most domestic solar installations (<3.68kW) can be made under G98 regulations, whereby no application is required – the installer must merely notify the DNO within 28 days of commissioning. Households can benefit from bill savings immediately.
We are aware of some delays in customers’ receiving the Meter Point Administration Number required to sell electricity under the Smart Export Guarantee. The Government keeps this issue under review.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if his Department will take steps to help ensure that administrative delays in the processing of solar panel installation applications do not reduce levels of public confidence in renewable generation.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government is pleased that public support for renewable energy, including solar, remains very high.
We continue to monitor the experiences of those seeking to install rooftop solar panels. We are aware that, in some cases, customers have been affected by delayed connections or procedural inefficiencies.
Ofgem are undertaking an end-to-end review of connections, to ensure that customers connecting to the grid receive a high standard of service. DESNZ liaises closely with stakeholders on these matters, and keeps policy under constant review.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what data his Department holds on the average time taken by the National Grid to (a) process applications for solar panel installations and (b) issue Distributor Network Operator reference numbers in each of the last three years.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Department does not hold the data requested.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of requiring tariff payments for electricity exported to the grid from solar panels to be backdated to the commissioning date of the installation, rather than the date of Distributor Network Operator approval.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Backdating payments made under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) to an installation’s commissioning date is not permitted, as exports cannot be accurately measured until an export Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) is in place. An MPAN can only be issued once the District Network Operator (DNO) has approved an installation, confirming it meets adequate technical and safety standards.
This process ensures electricity exports are correctly settled and attributed while safeguarding both the installation and the network.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when he plans to reply to correspondence from the hon. Member for Newton Abbot of 8 July 2025.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
I apologise for the delay in responding to the hon. Member’s correspondence about solar farms on green spaces, reference MW09123. I issued a response to the hon. Member on 2 September.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of aligning the the UK and EU carbon trading systems on meeting the UK's climate targets.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)
The Government is committed to ensuring that any future linkage of the UK and EU Emissions Trading Schemes remains consistent with the UK’s climate obligations and will not prevent us from pursuing higher ambition.
The “Common Understanding” text agreed between the UK and the EU at the 19th May Summit, states that: "The United Kingdom cap and the United Kingdom reduction pathway will be guided by the United Kingdom’s Climate Change Act obligations and Nationally Determined Contributions,” In addition, a future linking agreement: “should not constrain the European Union and the United Kingdom from pursuing higher environmental ambition, consistent with their international obligations."
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2025 to Question 59046 on Insulation: Housing, what recent discussions he has had with surveyors on spray foam insulation.
Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
Details of Ministers' and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2025 to Question 59046 on Insulation: Housing, whether he has had recent discussions with mortgage brokers on the potential impact of spray foam installation on their ability to issue a mortgage.
Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
Details of Ministers' and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.
Asked by: Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat - Newton Abbot)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent meetings he has had with people who have had spray foam installation in their homes in Devon.
Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
Details of Ministers' and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.