UKPN territory coverage
UK Power Networks operates three licensed Distribution Network Operator areas covering approximately 8.3 million homes and businesses across London and the South East:
- London Power Networks (LPN): Greater London including all 32 boroughs plus the City. Hotel solar installs across central London (West End, City fringe), inner boroughs, and outer London (Heathrow corridor, Croydon, Bromley, Romford).
- South Eastern Power Networks (SPN): Kent, Sussex (East and West), Surrey, parts of Hampshire. Major hotel clusters: Brighton & Hove, Eastbourne, Hastings, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells, Guildford, Reigate.
- Eastern Power Networks (EPN): East Anglia (Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire), Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, parts of Buckinghamshire. Major hotel clusters: Cambridge, Norwich, Ipswich, St Albans, Chelmsford, Aldeburgh, Cromer.
Inner London capacity constraints
Inner London grid capacity has been progressively constrained over 2022-2026 as data-centre and residential development outpaces network reinforcement programmes. UKPN London Power Networks reports significant capacity headroom limitations across Westminster, Camden, Islington, City, Hackney, and Tower Hamlets postcodes. Hotel solar installs above 100 kW in these areas frequently trigger reinforcement studies and contribution costs of £15,000-£40,000 typical.
Strategies we deploy to manage inner London capacity constraints: phase the install across two G99 applications (first phase at sub-50 kW typically clears connection without reinforcement; second phase 6-12 months later as network capacity becomes available), specify export limitation (limits exported kW to existing connection capacity), or specify battery storage to soak surplus generation and reduce peak export.
UKPN application process
Standard G99 application process for UKPN hotel installs:
- Pre-application enquiry — free network capacity check, typically 5-10 working days
- Formal G99 application submission — £400-£1,500 fee depending on capacity
- Connection offer — UKPN returns offer with any reinforcement contribution required, typically 25-35 working days
- Acceptance and commissioning prep — typically 4-6 weeks to coordinate with installation programme
- Final witnessing and energisation — UKPN engineer attends site for final commissioning, 1-day visit typical
Quote in 7 working days
Check your grid connection position
Free desk-based feasibility from your half-hourly meter data. Fixed-price proposal within 7 working days. All funding routes modelled — PPA, AIA, hire purchase, lease. Listed Building Consent and brand engineering included.
- ✓ MCS-certified UK specialists across boutique, chain, country house, B&B, conference
- ✓ Honest "no" if your hotel doesn't suit solar — we'll say so before you commit
- ✓ All funding routes modelled (PPA, AIA, hire purchase, operating lease)
- ✓ Listed Building Consent and Hilton/IHG/Marriott/Accor brand engineering included
UKPN G99 FAQs
How long does UKPN G99 take for a hotel solar install?
6-14 weeks typical for installs 30-150 kW across UKPN territory. Inner London routes (Westminster, Camden, Islington, City) tend to be longer (10-18 weeks) due to capacity-constrained networks. Outer London and East England suburbs typically faster.
Are there application fees?
Standard G99 application fee £400-£1,500 depending on system size. UKPN may charge contribution fees if network reinforcement is required — typically £8,000-£40,000 for transformer upgrades on installs above 150 kW.
Which UKPN region covers which hotel cities?
UKPN London Power Networks covers Greater London. UKPN South Eastern Power Networks covers Kent, Sussex, Surrey, parts of Hampshire. UKPN Eastern Power Networks covers East Anglia, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, parts of Norfolk and Suffolk.