Who Is My Distribution Network Operator?

If you’ve ever had a power cut, applied for a new electricity connection, or wondered who maintains the cables that bring power to your business or home, you’ve probably come across the term DNO — short for Distribution Network Operator. But what exactly is a DNO, and more importantly, how do you find out who yours is?

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about DNOs in the UK, including what they do, why they matter, and how to identify yours in under a minute.

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What Is a DNO?

A Distribution Network Operator is the company responsible for delivering electricity from the National Grid to your property. While your energy supplier (such as Octopus, British Gas, or EDF) sells you electricity and sends you bills, your DNO owns and maintains the physical infrastructure — the wires, poles, substations, and underground cables — that bring that electricity to your doorstep.

Key DNO responsibilities include:

Maintaining and repairing local electricity networks
Connecting new properties or renewable energy sources (like solar panels) to the grid
Upgrading network capacity for growing communities or businesses
Responding to power cuts and emergencies

Why Is Knowing Your DNO Important?

Most people don’t think about their DNO until something goes wrong — usually during a power outage. As a matter of fact if you can know DNO it can be useful in many ways . Reporting power cuts quickly – Your DNO is the first point of contact, not your supplier.

Arranging new connections : If you’re building or renovating, your DNO handles the physical link to the grid.
Installing EV chargers or solar panels : Your DNO ensures the network can handle extra demand or generation.
Upgrading electricity capacity : For businesses expanding operations or adding high-power equipment.

How to Find Out Who Your DNO Is

The United Kingdom is spread into different DNO regions and each served by one operator There are six main DNO groups in England, Scotland, and Wales (plus independent operators in some areas).

1. Use the official postcode search tool : Visit the Energy Networks Association (ENA) website and enter your postcode into their free search tool. If you want to see your DNO name contact details you can easily see it .
2. Check your electricity bill : Some suppliers list the DNO name or number on the back of your bill, usually under "Electricity Distribution Information".
3. Call the national power cut helpline : Dial 105 (free from landlines and mobiles) to be automatically directed to your DNO.

List of UK DNOs and Regions

Here’s a quick guide to the main DNO companies and the areas they cover:

UK Power Networks
East of England, London, South East

Northern Powergrid
Its in North East England, Yorkshire, northern Lincolnshire

Electricity North West
North West England

SP Energy Networks
Central & Southern Scotland, Merseyside, Cheshire, North & Mid Wales

Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN)
North of Scotland, Central Southern England

Western Power Distribution
which is now named as National Grid Electricity Distribution – Midlands, South West, South Wales

DNO vs Energy Supplier – What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to confuse the two, but here’s the distinction:

Your supplier : Sells you electricity and sends bills. One can switch suppliers to find better deals.
Your DNO : Physically delivers the electricity. You cannot choose your DNO — it’s based on your location.

Think of it like this: the supplier is the shop you buy your groceries from, while the DNO is the delivery service that brings them to your home.

Final Thoughts

Your Distribution Network Operator plays a vital role in keeping the lights on and ensuring the UK’s electricity infrastructure runs smoothly. Whether you’re a homeowner dealing with a sudden outage or a business planning an expansion, knowing who your DNO is — and how to contact them — can save time, stress, and even money.

Quick tip: Store your DNO’s emergency contact details in your phone now, so you’re ready if the power ever goes out.

Need a Better Energy Deal for Your Business?

Knowing your DNO is just the first step. The next is making sure you’re not overpaying for electricity.

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