DNOs

Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) are licensed electricity distribution companies responsible for delivering electricity from the high voltage transmission system to homes and businesses, and for maintaining the local distribution networks. They manage and operate the low- and medium-voltage networks, handle new connections, fault restoration, and ongoing reliability of supply. In Great Britain, DNOs are regulated by Ofgem and operate under price controls intended to balance system resilience with customer value.

There are six licensed DNOs in Great Britain, each serving a defined geographic area. Northern Powergrid operates in the North East England, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire region. Western Power Distribution covers the Midlands, South West, and Wales. UK Power Networks serves London, the South East, and the East of England. SP Energy Networks covers Scotland and parts of the North West of England. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution serves parts of Scotland and the South of England. Electricity North West operates in North West England.

DNOs work with electricity suppliers, network users, and regulators to plan and build network capacity, manage outages, and connect new generation or demand customers to the grid. They are responsible for asset management, grid reliability, and facilitating the energy transition, including integration of distributed energy resources, storage, and electric vehicle infrastructure. Pricing and investment plans are overseen by Ofgem through RIIO price controls, with ongoing reviews to reflect changing demand, generation, and technology.

Northern Ireland has a separate regime, with NIE Networks and the System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI) managing its distribution and transmission networks, and these entities are not part of the Great Britain DNO framework.

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