Are you wondering who your DNO is? Read on and find out how to find your DNO (Distribution Network Operator) in the UK if you are thinking of connecting an energy device like Solar Panels to the National Grid.
What is a DNO?
DNO is short for Distribution Network Operator. DNOs are companies that have the license to deliver electricity from the National Grid to your home or business. The UK has 14 different district networks or DNO regions, which are owned by 6 groups:
- Electricity North West Limited (ENWL)
- Northern Powergrid
- Scottish and Southern Energy (SEE)
- ScottishPower Energy Networks (SPEN)
- UK Power Networks (UKPN)
- Western Power Distribution (WPD)
Finding your DNO
To identify your DNO you’ll need the relevant first two digits shown as part of your MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number).
Your MPAN is the unique identifying number for the electricity meter at your property, often referred to as a ‘Supply Number’ or ‘S’ number. This number is made up of 13 digits highlighted in the bottom row of the illustration below.
For example, the ‘10’ in the bottom row corresponds with the Distribution ID for UK Power Networks in the look-up table below. The MPAN will be shown on any bills you have, and may also appear on a recent letter or email that your energy company has sent you.
DNO Finder with DNO Contact Numbers
| MPAN Prefix | DNO Region | DNO Company & Address | Emergency Number | General Enquiries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
10 | East England | UK Power Networks | Free phone number 105 | 0800 029 4285 |
11 | East Midlands | Western Power Distribution | Free phone number 105 | 0800 096 3080 |
12 | London | UK Power Networks | Free phone number 105 | 0800 029 4285 |
13 | North Wales, Merseyside and Cheshire | Scottish Power Energy Networks | Free phone number 105 | 0330 101 0444 |
14 | West Midlands | Western Power Distribution | Free phone number 105 | 0800 096 3080 |
15 | North East England | Northern Powergrid | Free phone number 105 | 0845 070 7172 |
16 | North West England | Electricity North West | Free phone number 105 | 0800 048 1820 |
17 | North Scotland | Scottish and Southern Energy | Free phone number 105 | 0800 048 3516 |
18 | Central and Southern Scotland | SP Energy Networks | Free phone number 105 | 0330 101 0444 |
19 | South East England | UK Power Networks | Free phone number 105 | 0800 029 4285 |
20 | Southern England | Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution | Free phone number 105 | 0800 048 3516 |
21 | South Wales | Western Power Distribution | Free phone number 105 | 0800 096 3080 |
22 | South West England | Western Power Distribution | Free phone number 105 | 0845 601 2989 |
23 | Yorkshire | Northern Powergrid | Free phone number 105 | 0800 011 3332 |
24 | Independent | Independent Power Networks Ltd | Free phone number 105 | 01359 243311 |
25 | Independent | ESP Utilities Group | Free phone number 105 | 01372 587 500 |
26 | Independent | Energetics Electricity Ltd | Free phone number 105 | 01698 404949 |
27 | Independent | The Electricity Network Company Ltd (GTC) | Free phone number 105 | 01359 243311 |
28 | Independent | UK Power Networks (IDNO) Limited | Free phone number 105 | 0800 029 4285 |
Understanding DNO Applications – Solar Life Podcast
MCS Certified Solar Panel Installers
You don’t have to worry about DNO applications, if you choose NXTGEN Energy, the experts in DNO Applications for Solar Panels. If you want to install solar panels, solar batteries or EV chargers for your home or business in the UK, call our solar energy team today at 01268 928 690, email info@nxtgen.ltd or click on the ‘Enquire Now’ button below and get our 5-Star service. We include all DNO applications in our solar packages, so don’t hesitate to contact us.
FAQ DNO (Distribution Network Operator)
A DNO stands for Distribution Network Operator. These are the companies responsible for delivering electricity from the National Grid to your home or business in the UK. There are 14 different DNO regions across the country.
You can find your DNO by looking at your Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN). This unique 13-digit number identifies your electricity meter and can be found on your electricity bills or recent communications from your energy supplier.
The first two digits of your MPAN correspond to your specific DNO region.
While the MPAN is the most reliable way, some resources offer a postcode lookup to potentially identify your DNO. However, this method might not be as accurate.
Knowing your DNO can be helpful in situations like:
Power cuts: You can find your DNO’s emergency contact number in case of a power outage.
Installing solar panels: Some DNO applications might be required for solar panel installation.
Electricity North West Limited (ENWL)
Northern Powergrid
Scottish and Southern Energy (SEE)
ScottishPower Energy Networks (SPEN)
UK Power Networks (UKPN)
Western Power Distribution (WPD)
This article provides a table with DNO regions, corresponding MPAN prefixes, and contact details for each company (emergency number and general enquiries).
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