An OZEV-authorised installer is a trader approved to carry out chargepoint installations under the government grant schemes that require that status. Authorisation matters if you need a valid grant claim, because evidence packs and product rules are tied to authorised firms. It is not a substitute for checking electrical competence, insurance, written scopes and aftercare. If you are outside grant eligibility, you may still prefer authorised installers for process quality, but you should judge the quote on survey detail rather than the badge alone.
Authorisation versus general electrical competence
OZEV authorisation is a scheme gateway. Part P compliance, competent person schemes, manufacturer training and public liability insurance are separate layers. You want all of them aligned on one contractor.
Ask how they notify the DNO, which chargepoint brands they commission weekly, and who returns if the app or earth protection faults after week two.
Why grants care about the badge
Grant claims need installers who can submit photos, product details and declarations in the format OZEV expects. A brilliant local electrician who is not authorised may produce a safe circuit that still fails the claim.
If a friend offers to "fit the box cheap and you claim later", assume the claim is at risk until GOV.UK rules say otherwise.
- Confirm authorisation for the specific scheme you are using
- Match the approved chargepoint list to the quote
- Keep installer company details identical on quote and claim
How to verify without guesswork
Use official finder or guidance routes linked from GOV.UK grant pages, and cross-check company name, trading name and address. Be wary of badges on van wraps with no matching record.
During survey, ask which evidence photos they will take. Hesitation is a warning sign for grant jobs.
What authorisation does not guarantee
It does not freeze your price, guarantee a next-day slot, or prove the cable route they propose is the neatest option. Two authorised firms can still differ by hundreds of pounds on the same house.
Read exclusions, make-good limits and warranty length side by side.
Hiring when no grant applies
Owner-occupier driveway customers outside household grants can still shortlist authorised installers for consistent commissioning practice. Equally, a non-grant job must still meet Wiring Regulations and notification duties.
Choose on survey quality first, scheme badges second.
Frequently asked questions
Is OZEV approval the same as NICEIC or NAPIT?
No. Competent person membership and OZEV authorisation answer different questions. Many strong firms hold both, but you should confirm each.
Can I supply my own charger to an authorised installer?
Only if the unit is accepted for the job and any grant list you need. Many installers will only warrant hardware they supply.
What if my preferred electrician is not authorised?
For grant claims, switch to an authorised firm or accept that the grant may be unavailable. For non-grant work, judge competence and insurance on their merits.
Does authorisation cover commercial sites?
Check the specific scheme. Workplace and landlord routes have their own installer and evidence rules on GOV.UK.
Core buying guides
Start with these high-intent guides, then dig into the rest of the library.
Related guides
Sources and further reading
How this guide was prepared
This guide was written by the Local EV Installers Editorial Team. We compare official guidance, legislation and established consumer information, separate general information from project-specific advice, and show publication dates and sources. We do not accept installer accreditation claims at face value.