Engineering & Technical Studies

UK Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) A Complete Guide

Estimated reading: 3 minutes 679 views Contributors

What is a Distribution Network Operator (DNO)?

A Distribution Network Operator (DNO) is a licensed company responsible for distributing electricity from the National Grid to homes, businesses, and industrial users. Unlike electricity suppliers, which bill consumers for their energy use, DNOs manage the physical infrastructure—power lines, transformers, and substations—that delivers electricity to customers.

The UK is divided into 14 geographical DNO regions, each managed by one of six main DNO groups.

Why Do DNOs Matter?

  • Maintaining Infrastructure: Ensuring reliable electricity supply by maintaining and upgrading distribution networks.
  • New Connections: Providing new grid connections for homes, businesses, and renewable energy projects.
  • Power Outage Management: Responding to faults, storm damage, and planned maintenance outages.
  • Grid Modernization: Supporting the transition to renewable energy and smart grids.

List of UK DNOs by Region

DNO GroupLicensed DNOsCoverage AreasEmergency Contact NumberWebsiteSocial Media
Electricity North West LimitedElectricity North West LimitedNorth West England0800 195 4141www.enwl.co.ukLinkedIn / Twitter (X)
Northern Powergrid– Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited
– Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc
– North East England
– Yorkshire
0800 375 675www.northernpowergrid.comLinkedIn / Twitter (X) / Facebook
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN)– Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc
– Southern Electric Power Distribution plc
– North Scotland
– Central Southern England
0800 072 7282www.ssen.co.ukLinkedIn / Twitter (X) / Facebook
SP Energy Networks– SP Distribution Ltd
– SP Manweb plc
– Central and Southern Scotland
– North Wales, Merseyside, Cheshire, and North Shropshire
0800 092 9290www.spenergynetworks.co.ukLinkedIn / Twitter (X) / Facebook
UK Power Networks– London Power Networks plc
– Eastern Power Networks plc
– South Eastern Power Networks plc
– London
– East of England
– South East England
0800 316 3105www.ukpowernetworks.co.ukLinkedIn / Twitter (X) / Facebook
National Grid Electricity Distribution (formerly Western Power Distribution)– National Grid Electricity Distribution (East Midlands) plc
– National Grid Electricity Distribution (West Midlands) plc
– National Grid Electricity Distribution (South Wales) plc
– National Grid Electricity Distribution (South West) plc
– East Midlands
– West Midlands
– South Wales
– South West England
0800 6783 105www.nationalgrid.co.uk/electricity-distributionLinkedIn / Twitter (X) / Facebook

How to Find Your DNO

If you are unsure which DNO operates in your area, you can use the Energy Networks Association’s DNO lookup tool.

Alternatively, you can check your electricity bill, where the MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) contains a unique code identifying your DNO.


Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs)

In addition to the six main DNO groups, several Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs) operate smaller private networks connected to the DNO infrastructure.

IDNO NameMarket Participant IDContact NumberWebsite
Eclipse Power NetworksGGEN01234 486 487eclipsepower.co.uk
Energy Assets NetworksUDNL0845 260 1630energyassetsnetworks.co.uk
ESP ElectricityLENG01372 587 500espug.com
Fulcrum Electricity AssetsFEAL03330 146 466fulcrum.co.uk
GTCETCL01359 243 311gtc-uk.co.uk
Harlaxton Energy NetworksHARL0844 800 1813harlaxtonenergynetworks.co.uk
Last Mile ElectricityGUCL03300 587 452lastmile-uk.com
Leep Electricity NetworksPENL0333 005 0271leeputilities.co.uk
Vattenfall NetworksVATT0203 955 5140idno.vattenfall.co.uk

For a full list of IDNOs, visit Ofgem’s Electricity Licensee List.


How to Contact Your DNO or IDNO

  • Power Outages & Emergencies: Call 105, the national electricity helpline.
  • New Connections & Upgrades: Visit your DNO or IDNO’s website for application details.
  • Technical Support & Faults: Contact your operator’s customer service team.

Conclusion

DNOs and IDNOs play crucial roles in delivering electricity across the UK. Whether you’re looking for a new grid connection, reporting a power outage, or developing a renewable energy project, understanding your network operator is essential.

For the latest updates and technical information, visit the Energy Networks Association at www.energynetworks.org.


Comment

Summary of Wind farm power density optimization according to the area size using a novel genetic algorithm

The paper “Wind farm power density optimization according to the area size

Site Design Research

Microgrids: A Primer

Introduction A microgrid is a localized group of electricity sources and loads t

Grid Issues

Summary: Assessment of Simulation and Modelling Errors for Three CFD Wind Models

The paper “Assessment of Simulation and Modelling Errors for Three CFD Win

Wind Energy Policy & Advocacy

Working with Landowners and Farmers

Wind energy development depends on strong partnerships with landowners and farme

Community Engagement

Engaging with local communities is a key part of wind farm development. Early, t

Stakeholders in Wind Energy

Wind energy projects involve a wide range of stakeholders, each with different i

UK Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) A Complete Guide

What is a Distribution Network Operator (DNO)? A Distribution Network Operator (

Grid Connection and Infrastructure

For a wind farm to deliver electricity to consumers, it must be connected to the

Engineering & Technical Studies

The success of a wind farm depends on careful engineering and technical assessme

Planning and Consenting

The planning and consenting process for wind farms varies across the UK nations,

Site Selection & Feasibility

Selecting the right location for a wind farm is one of the most critical steps i

Site Selection Overview

Selecting the right location for a wind farm is one of the most critical steps i

The Role of Wind Energy in the UK

Wind power is a critical part of the UK’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions an

The Benefits of Wind Power

Wind energy is one of the most effective ways to generate electricity while redu

What is Wind Energy?

Wind energy is a renewable energy source that uses the natural movement of air t

Sakeholder Engagement and Community Relations

Wind energy projects affect and involve a wide range of stakeholders, from lando

About Wind Energy

Wind energy is a key part of the UK’s transition to a low-carbon electricity sys

Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model

The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model is a state-of-the-art, mesoscal

Summary: Impact of Physical Parameterizations on Wind Simulation with WRF in the Northern Sahara and the Mediterranean Basin

This study investigates how different physical parameterizations within the WRF

Summary: Sensitivity Analysis of the WRF Model: Wind-Resource Assessment for the Great Lakes Region

This research focuses on the sensitivity of the WRF model's performance in simul

Summary: A Sensitivity Study of the WRF Model in Wind Simulation for an Area of High Wind Energy

This study evaluates the performance of the WRF model in simulating wind pattern

Summary of Comparison Metrics Microscale Simulation Challenge for Wind Resource Assessment

The study "Comparison Metrics Microscale Simulation Challenge for Wind Resource

Technical & Research

Regulatory & Commercial

Wind Farm Development Process

The development of a wind farm follows a structured process, from initial site s

Renewables Insights

Transitioning to renewable energies is crucial for several reasons: Overall, tra

Environmental & Social Considerations

Wind Wiki

Welcome to the Wind Wiki The Wind Wiki is a knowledge base designed to provide c

Chat Icon Close Icon

Subscribe

×
Cancel