About your DNO
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks

We've got everything you need to know about your Distribution Network Operator, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks and how to contact them.


Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks logo

Disclaimer: The information on this page was last updated on 23/12/2022, 13:58:13

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks is a part of the SSE group. Also known as SSEN, they are one of just two companies in the UK to be involved in both the transmission and distribution of electricity.

Who is Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks?

  • Region Southern England/Northern Scotland
  • Customers 3.8 million
  • Substations 106,000
  • Power cables 134,000km
  • Founded 2000
  • Headquarters Perth, Scotland

What does Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks do?

SSEN isn’t an energy provider, however, it is responsible for maintaining the electricity networks supplying millions of homes and businesses in Scotland and Southern England to provide a safe and reliable electricity supply.

They own one electricity transmission network and two distribution networks with one acting as an Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) where they can develop, operate, and maintain other networks across the UK.

DNO map Scottish & Southern Energy Networks

Where does SSEN power?

SSEN powers millions of houses in central-southern England and northern Scotland. With over 100 sub-sea cables, they also power islands off the coast including the Isle of Wight, the Shetland Islands, the Inner and Outer Hebrides, and the Orkney Islands.

SSEN also works as an Independent Distribution Network Operator across England, Wales and the South of Scotland.

What can SSEN help you with?

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks can help you with all kinds of different electricity problems, questions, and solutions.

They should be your first point of contact if you want to:

  • Report a power cut
  • Report electricity line damage
  • Connect property to the electricity network
  • Move your electricity meter
  • Request tree trimming around overhead lines
  • Request network plans showing underground electricity cables
  • Find out your MPAN
  • Find out who your electricity supplier is

How to get connected to the SSEN network

If you need to make a new connection to the network, for example, if you’re installing an electric vehicle charger or a renewable energy system, you’ll need to contact SSEN.

Before you get in touch, make sure you’re in the SSEN area. You can do this using the Energy Network Association’s DNO Finder or through the SSEN website.

Once you’re sure that SSEN is the right distributor for your project, you’ll have to register for an online account in order to apply for a new connection. All you need to get started is your name, email address, and a password.

Register for an account

Once you’ve set up an account, you’re ready to apply for your new connection. When you apply, you’ll need to give some details about your property and set out your plans for the connection.

Simply fill out the correct form below to apply.

Apply online

Once your application has been accepted, you’ll be sent a quote which has to be paid before any work can begin.

The cost of your connection will vary depending on the size, location, and complexity of the project, but you can expect to pay around £1,000 for a single domestic connection, £200,000 for a 200-home development, and £55,000 for connections to a commercial site.

Once you’ve accepted and paid your quote, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks will contact you to get your connection up and running!

For more help with your connection and applications, you can email connections@ssen.co.uk.

What to do in a power cut

Did you know...

Your energy supplier isn’t responsible for dealing with power cuts or anything electrical or gas-related other than the billing of your usage. Your distribution network operator is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the electric and gas networks up and down the country.

To report a power cut to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, you should call the dedicated power cut line on 105. Lines are open 24/7 and it’s free to call from both a landline and a mobile.

Alternatively, you can call 0800 072 7282 from England and 0800 300 999 from Scotland.

Once your power cut has been reported, you can keep an eye out for any updates using the Scottish and Southern power cut tracker.

Track power cuts in your area

Join the SSEN Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register is a free service provided by energy providers and network operators aimed to keep energy supply for elderly and vulnerable households more accessible.

To be eligible for the Priority Services Register, you:

  • Are of pensionable age
  • Are disabled
  • Have a long term or chronic medical condition
  • Need additional support with communicating
  • Have a hearing or visual impairment
  • Have a child under 5 living with you
  • Are in a vulnerable situation (mental health conditions, injury, temporary circumstance changes etc)

If you’re on the register, you could receive extra support from SSEN in emergency situations to keep you safe and on supply. Whether that’s updates on power outages, receiving meals, drinks, charging points, and warmth from local welfare vehicles, or simply setting up a password to protect you from scammers.

To join the SSEN Priority Services Register, you can call 0800 294 3259 or fill out the form below.

Apply for the Priority Services Register

Contact Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks

There are a number of different ways you can contact SSEN, depending on your needs. You can find all the numbers and links you might need below.

Method Number/link
Contact number 0800 048 3516
Email (general) ge@ssen.co.uk
Email (connection enquiries) connections@ssen.co.uk
Facebook Click here to be redirected
Twitter @SSENcommunity

The subject matter of this webpage is subject to the opinion of, and factual research carried out by, the author. We always strive to provide the most up to date, correct and informative information in all of our webpages, but from time to time, you may spot an error or something you don't agree with. Please report this to us at info@utilityswitchboard.com

Any products or services displayed on this webpage may only represent a portion of the options available to you. We encourage you to carry out your own independent research and seek advice where necessary to aid your decision making. We may receive a commission from selected partnered companies for the introduction of potential customers and business mentioned on this website. This helps us to provide our website to you for free as a customer.