Who is my Distribution Network Operator (DNO)?

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Disclaimer: The information on this page was last updated on 23/12/2022, 12:55:20

Distribution Network Operators, also known as DNOs, are an important step in the energy production process. Depending on where you live depends on your DNO, so we’ve got everything you need to know about your DNO right here. As always, we’ve got you covered!

What is a Distribution Network Operator?

DNOs own the pipes and wires that carry the gas and electricity to your home and business – there are hundreds of thousands of electricity cables and gas pipes across the UK which are owned by just 6 DNO groups and 4 GDCs.

Both your provider and DNO are regulated by Ofgem to make sure you’re paying a reasonable amount for your energy. They have to hold licenses which, among other things, limits the amount of revenue they can recover from their customers.

Your DNO 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 near overhead lines
• Request network plans showing underground electricity cables
• Find out your MPAN
• Find out who your energy provider is

Who is my DNO and how do I contact them?

Different Distribution Network Operators work in different areas. Find out your gas and electricity DNO using the table below.

Region	MPAN Supply Number	DNO	Phone number	Website
North Scotland	17	Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks	0800 300 999	Click here to be redirected
Central and Southern Scotland	18	SP Energy Networks	0800 092 9290	Click here to be redirected
North East England	15	Northern Power Grid	0800 668 877	Click here to be redirected
North West England	16	Electricity North West	0800 195 4141	Click here to be redirected
Yorkshire	23	Northern Power Grid	0800 375 675	Click here to be redirected
Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales, and North Shropshire	13	SP Energy Networks	0800 001 5400	Click here to be redirected
East Midlands, West Midlands, South Wales, and South West England	11, 14, 21, 22	Western Power Distribution	0800 6783 105	Click here to be redirected
Eastern England	10	UK Power Networks	0800 316 3105	Click here to be redirected
Southern England	20	Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks	0800 072 7282	Click here to be redirected
London	12	UK Power Networks	0800 316 3105	Click here to be redirected
South East England	19	UK Power Networks	0800 316 3105	Click here to be redirected
Northern Ireland	n/a	Northern Ireland Electricity	0345 764 3643	Click here to be redirected

If you’re still not sure, you can use this DNO Finder. All you need is your postcode and the Energy Networks Association will be able to tell you who your DNO is.

Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs)

IDNOs develop, operate, and maintain local electricity distribution networks alongside the DNOs. They are either directly or indirectly (through another IDNO) connected to the DNO’s network.

There are a number of different IDNOs working across the country:

• Eclipse Power Ltd
• Energy Assets Network Ltd
• Last Mile Electricity
• ESP Electricity Ltd
• Fulcrum Electricity Assets Ltd
• Harlaxton Energy Networks Ltd
• Independent Power Networks Ltd
• Leep Electricity Network Ltd
• Murphy Power Distribution Ltd
• The Electricity Network Company Ltd
• UK Power Distribution Ltd
• Utility Assets Ltd
• Vattenfall Network Ltd

You’re likely on with an IDNO if you live in a new-build estate, but you can find out using this tool.

What’s the difference between an IDNO and a DNO?

An IDNO is very similar to a DNO, but they operate in much smaller areas. They’re often an extension for the existing DNO network where new developments are being built, for example, new housing estates and commercial development sites.

DNOs and IDNOs are both regulated to the same standards by Ofgem, however, they have different licenses and conditions to meet. The license conditions of IDNOs mean that customers connected to their networks will be entitled to the same level of service and guaranteed performance standards of DNOs.

What are the benefits of IDNOs?

Ofgem licenses IDNOs to increase competition in the energy distribution market and keep bills low for the consumers. IDNO and DNO prices are capped as it is a very monopolised market.

Your IDNO can:

• Make grid applications for you
• Reduce the cost of your contestable connection work
• Offer asset value payments
• Provide a more collaborative service
• Liaise and resolve issues with the DNO or National Grid for you
• Get your connection faster
• Design, build and adapt the connection to your development

Is there a DNO for gas?

The DNOs for gas are more commonly known as Gas Distribution Companies (GDC) or gas transporters, however, they do the same job as a DNO.

You’ll most likely need to get in touch with your Gas Distribution Company when you:

• Report a leak
• Smell gas
• Get connected to the gas mains
• Have your gas meter or pipes moved
• Have your outside gas meter box installed or replaced

Who’s my GDC?

There are 4 distribution companies which operate across the UK. Use the table below to find out your GDC and how to get in touch.

Region	GDC	Phone Number	Website
Scotland	SGN	0800 912 1700	Click here to be redirected
North East England, Yorkshire, and Northern Cheshire	Northern Gas Networks	0800 040 776	Click here to be redirected
Midlands and Eastern England	Cadent	0800 389 8000	Click here to be redirected
Wales and South West England	Wales and West Utilities	0800 912 2999	Click here to be redirected
South and South East England	SGN	0800 912 1700	Click here to be redirected

Just like with DNOs there are also a number of independent gas transporters, including:

• GTC Pipelines
• Independent Pipelines
• ES Pipelines
• Last Mile Gas
• Fulcrum Pipelines
• Indigo Pipelines Ltd
• Energy Assets Pipelines Ltd
• Murphy Gas Networks Ltd
• Leep Gas Networks Ltd

If you’re not sure who your GDC is, you can use this handy postcode finder to find out.

How to report a power cut

If you experience a power cut, you can either call your DNO directly using the numbers above or you can call the dedicated power cut line 105 and the telephone service will direct you straight to your DNO.

Calling 105 is free and you can use it to report a power cut or find out information about an ongoing power cut. You can also call to report any damage to power lines and substations which might put people in danger.

If you’re in Northern Ireland, you should call 03457 643643 or in the Republic of Ireland call 1850 372 999.

Most DNOs also have a live power cut tool that lets you find updates and check the status of any power cut in your area. Simply type in your postcode and you can see if it’s been reported and when your power should be back on.

Find out what to do in a power cut

How to report a gas leak

If you suspect a gas leak or a pipeline has been struck, call the National Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999.

If you think it might be carbon monoxide, you should open all the windows and doors and get outside as soon as you can. Even if you’re not feeling unwell, you should call a doctor to be tested for carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you are feeling unwell after a suspected leak, call 999 as soon as you start feeling ill.

DNOs and home energy systems

If you’re connecting solar panels or wind turbines to the grid, you have to inform your DNO. This shouldn’t be too difficult, however, the process will vary depending on the size of your system.

If you’re installing smaller systems (up to 3.7kW) you have to inform your DNO within 28 days. Because you won’t be adding a significant load to the grid, the regulation is very simple for small systems.

I'm installing a small energy system

If your system is over 3.7kW, your installer will need to get permission from the DNO before they install the system. This will require a network study to ensure that the local grid is adequate for your power supply and whether or not extra arrangements need to be made. You might be charged for this study and your DNO will send you a quote for the cost of any additional work needed to connect your system to the grid.

I'm installing a larger energy system

If you’re connecting a charging point for your electric vehicle, the DNO will have to assess and approve your installation. It should be straightforward, however, there are cases where you might have to have fuse and cable updates or unloop your power supply if you are connected via a neighbour. The DNO will organise for these changes to be made before installation.

I'm installing an EV charger

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