If you're a business owner, you've probably heard the term DNO before. But what does it mean? DNO stands for Distribution Network Operator. They look after the electricity that's delivered to your properties.

This means if you have any issues with the power coming into your building, you would usually contact your DNO. For example, if you have a power cut or need a new connection added to your site, they're the ones who resolve it.

What is a DNO?

A DNO is a licensed company responsible for the electricity network in your local area. They own and operate the cables, substations, and transformers that carry power from the national transmission system to your property. Their job is to make sure electricity reaches you safely and reliably.

It's worth being clear on what a DNO is not. Your DNO is not your energy supplier. The supplier is the company you pay your bills to. The DNO owns the wires the electricity travels through. You can switch supplier whenever you like, but you can't switch DNO. It's fixed by where your property is.

Like all parts of the energy sector, DNOs are strictly regulated by Ofgem. Ofgem sets the standards they must meet and controls how much they can charge for using their networks. Those charges appear on your energy bill as part of your unit rate or as separate distribution charges, depending on your contract type.

Who are the main DNOs in Great Britain?

In Great Britain, there are six main Distribution Network Operators that cover all 14 regions.

  • Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks.
  • SP Energy Networks.
  • SP Electricity North West.
  • Northern Power grid.
  • Western Power Distribution.
  • UK Power Networks.

DNOs are licensed companies responsible for looking after the electricity network in your local area. They make sure electricity reaches your property safely. Their work includes maintaining underground cables, transformers, and all the equipment that keeps power flowing to buildings.

What about IDNOs?

There are also IDNOs, or Independent Distribution Network Operators. These companies introduce more competition into network ownership. They're just as reliable as the main DNOs and hold full licences issued by Ofgem. IDNOs usually manage newer electricity networks, such as those built for new housing estates or commercial developments, rather than the established regional networks.

If your business sits on a newer development, your network may be owned by an IDNO. Day to day, this makes little difference. Faults are still reported the same way.

How to find and contact your DNO?

It’s important to know that there are several Distribution Network Operators in Great Britain, each responsible for supplying electricity to homes and businesses around the country. There are six main DNOs that ensure electricity is safely delivered to buildings, and each one covers a different region of the UK.

This means you cannot contact just any DNO, it must be the one that operates in your area. For example, if you live in Liverpool and experience a power cut, you would contact SP Energy Networks.

How do DNOs help businesses?

To find out who your DNO is, you can simply call 105 or enter your postcode here.

Unless you are experiencing issues or require alterations to your electricity connection, you may never need to speak with your DNO. Your energy supplier will handle more common issues such as issue with your meter, billing or payment queries.

Your DNO (Distribution Network Operator) owns the network that delivers electricity to your property. Knowing who does what saves time when something goes wrong. Knowing who does what saves time when something goes wrong. You'll go straight to the right contact

When would a business contact its DNO?

Unless you're experiencing supply issues or need alterations to your connection, you may never need to speak to your DNO. Your energy supplier handles the more common queries, such as meter problems, billing, and payments. You would go to your DNO for things like: Power cuts and supply interruptions. A new connection for a new site or building. Upgrading your existing supply capacity, for example to support machinery or EV chargers. Moving or altering equipment such as cables or substations on your land. Damage to overhead lines or underground cables near your site.

Would you contact your DNO for gas-related issues too?

No, if you are experiencing gas-related issues, you would get in touch with your Gas Distribution Network Operator (GDNO). There are a total of four companies that manage the gas distribution networks across Great Britain. These are:

  • Cadent
  • Northern Gas Networks (NGN)
  • Wales & West Utilities
  • SGN (Scotia Gas Networks)

## How can we help?

If you are a Purely customer, get in touch and we will resolve any electricity or gas-related issues you may be having on your site. Or if you're looking and would like help lowering your energy bills, simply fill in the box below for a quick quote, or contact us directly.

Contact us on 0161 521 3400 or email us at info@purelyenergy.co.uk