Distribution Network Operators own and operate the local electricity distribution networks that deliver power from the national grid to homes and businesses.
A Distribution Network Operator (DNO) is a company licensed to distribute electricity in a specific geographic region of Great Britain. DNOs are responsible for the "last mile" of electricity delivery—the local network that connects the high-voltage transmission grid to end consumers.
The UK has six DNO groups operating across 14 license areas:
| DNO Group | Coverage Areas |
|---|---|
| UK Power Networks (UKPN) | Eastern, London, South Eastern |
| National Grid Electricity Distribution | East Midlands, West Midlands, South Wales, South West |
| Northern Powergrid | North East, Yorkshire |
| SP Energy Networks | Central & Southern Scotland, North Wales/Merseyside |
| Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) | North Scotland |
| Electricity North West | North West |
DNOs are responsible for:
For renewable energy installers, DNO interactions affect:
SIP accreditation reduces DNO dependencies by allowing self-isolation.
Safe Isolation Provider accreditation enables Metering Equipment Managers to legally de-energise and re-energise electricity supplies without DNO appointments.
G99 is the engineering recommendation governing the connection of generation equipment to distribution networks, requiring DNO approval for systems over 16A per phase.
The MPAN is a 21-digit reference identifying electricity supply points in Great Britain, with a 13-digit core used for billing, switching, and industry communications.