The search results provide ample information to cover all sections.
Key findings from search results:
- DNO definition: Companies licensed by Ofgem to own, operate, and maintain local electricity distribution networks, delivering power from the National Grid to homes and businesses. They don't sell electricity.
- Role: Maintain infrastructure (cables, substations, power lines), connect new customers, ensure safe and reliable delivery.
- Regulation: Regulated by Ofgem.
- Number of DNOs: 14 licensed DNOs in Great Britain, managed by six main groups.
- DNO vs supplier: DNO manages physical network; supplier sells electricity, handles bills, customer service.
- Responsibilities: Maintaining local network, responding to power cuts (call 105), facilitating new connections and upgrades.
- Finding DNO: Energy Networks Association (ENA) postcode lookup tool. Also on electricity bill.
- When to contact DNO: Power cuts, damaged equipment, new connections, disconnections, alterations, planning home energy upgrades.
- EV charger installations: DNO must be notified. This ensures the network can safely accommodate increased demand. Notification can be after installation for standard domestic 7kW chargers, but pre-approval may be needed for higher loads or limited supply capacity. Installers typically handle this.
- Solar panels (G98 notification): For small-scale systems (typically under 3.68kW single-phase or 16kW), G98 applies. This is a notification, not an application, submitted to the DNO within 28 days of installation. The consumer or their installer can do this.
Now I can write the full article.
# Distribution network operator (DNO) explained
A Distribution Network Operator (DNO) is the company responsible for delivering electricity to your home. Understanding your DNO's role is important for managing everything from power cuts to installing new technologies like EV chargers or solar panels. Knowing the difference between your DNO and your energy supplier helps you contact the right company for your energy needs.
Understanding how your home receives electricity is key to managing your energy. Fuse Energy aims to make your energy experience simple and transparent, helping you understand every aspect of your supply. Click [here](https://www.fuseenergy.com/app/boarding/premises) to see how easy it is to switch to a modern energy supplier.
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## What is a distribution network operator (DNO)?
A DNO is a company licensed by Ofgem to own and operate the local electricity network infrastructure within a specific geographic area of Great Britain. These companies are responsible for the physical delivery of electricity from the National transmission Grid to your property.
### Their role in the UK energy network
DNOs form the backbone of your local electricity supply. They manage the cables, substations, and power lines that bring electricity to your street and property. While the National transmission network acts like motorways moving large amounts of electricity, DNOs are the smaller roads that deliver it directly to you. DNOs are licensed and regulated by Ofgem, the UK's energy regulator, ensuring they meet their obligations for network operation and consumer protection.
### The 14 DNOs and their areas
There are 14 licensed DNOs in Great Britain, managed by six main groups. Each DNO covers a distinct regional area, ensuring that every property in Great Britain has a dedicated network operator responsible for its electricity supply.
## DNO vs energy supplier: understanding the difference
It's common for homeowners to confuse their DNO with their energy supplier, but they have distinct roles. Knowing the difference is key to contacting the right company for your energy needs.
### Who handles your bills and customer service?
Your energy supplier is the company you choose to buy electricity from. They handle your billing, customer service, and any queries related to your energy tariff or account. If you have questions about your monthly statement or want to switch tariffs, you contact your energy supplier.
### Who manages the wires and infrastructure?
Your DNO, on the other hand, is responsible for the physical electricity network infrastructure up to the meter point, including cables, substations, and power lines. They don't sell you electricity or handle your bills. Their focus is solely on maintaining the network that delivers electricity to your property.
DNOs have several critical responsibilities that ensure a safe and reliable electricity supply to homes across their regions.
Maintaining the local network
DNOs are tasked with the upkeep and repair of the entire local electricity network. This includes overhead power lines, underground cables, and substations. Their ongoing maintenance work helps prevent faults and ensures the network operates efficiently.
Responding to power cuts and emergencies
In the event of a power cut or an electrical emergency, your DNO is the company you need to contact. They are responsible for identifying the cause of the outage, carrying out necessary repairs, and restoring your electricity supply. This includes responding to damage caused by severe weather or other incidents. You can call 105, the free National number, to report a power cut to your local DNO.
Facilitating new connections and upgrades
DNOs also play a crucial role in facilitating new electricity connections for properties and managing upgrades to the existing network. This could involve connecting a new build home to the Grid or upgrading the local infrastructure to support increased demand.
Identifying your specific DNO is straightforward, thanks to industry tools designed for this purpose.
Using the energy networks Association (ENA) postcode tool
The quickest way to find your DNO is by using the Energy Networks Association (ENA) postcode lookup tool. Simply enter your postcode, and the tool will tell you which DNO operates in your area. This is particularly useful if you're experiencing a power cut or need to report a network issue.
Information on your electricity bill
Your DNO's contact details are also typically listed on your electricity bill. Look for a section that provides information about your network operator, often alongside emergency contact numbers.
Knowing when to contact your DNO versus your energy supplier can save you time and ensure your issue is resolved efficiently.
Power cuts and supply issues
If you experience a power cut, see damaged electrical equipment, or notice any other issue with the physical electricity supply to your property, your DNO is the correct point of contact. They manage the infrastructure and are best equipped to handle these emergencies.
New connections or disconnections
For any work related to new electricity connections, disconnections, or alterations to your property's supply, you will need to liaise with your DNO. This includes moving your meter or upgrading your supply capacity.
Planning home energy upgrades
DNOs are also involved in planning for significant home energy upgrades that impact the local network. They need to be aware of installations that will either draw a lot of power from the Grid or feed power back into it.
As homeowners adopt more modern energy solutions, the role of DNOs becomes even more relevant.
EV charger installations
When installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger at your home, your DNO must be notified. This is because high-power EV chargers can impact the local electricity network, and your DNO ensures the Grid can safely accommodate the increased demand. For many standard domestic 7kW single-phase chargers, the installer can notify the DNO after installation, but pre-approval may be required for properties with limited supply capacity or higher loads. Fuse Energy offers installation of the Easee One EV charger.
Solar panels and microgeneration (G98 notification)
For microgeneration installations like solar panels, especially plug-in solar systems, the consumer or their supplier must notify the DNO under G98. This notification ensures the DNO is aware of electricity being fed back into the Grid, maintaining network stability and safety. For small-scale systems (typically under 3.68kW single-phase or 16kW), a G98 notification is submitted within 28 days of commissioning.
Meter relocations and tail upgrades
If you need to move your electricity meter to a new location within your property or upgrade your meter tails (the cables connecting your meter to your consumer unit), your DNO may be involved. For standard meter relocations, Fuse Energy engineers can complete the work for single-phase electricity and gas at £240, or three-phase electricity at £432. For more complex moves or meter tail upgrades, coordination with your DNO is essential to ensure the network can support the changes.
Managing your home's energy should be straightforward. Fuse Energy provides clear pricing, real-time usage data through our app, and 24/7 human customer support to help you stay in control. Switching is quick and easy, allowing you to focus on what matters most. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today and experience energy made simple. You can also learn more about our mission to build a cleaner energy future here.
