Updated on 25/08/23 by Abby_OVO
Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) - Your Guide
The electricity distribution network is made up of 14 regions supplied by a group of regional operators called DNOs, and a few independent operators called IDNOs.
DNO responsibilities
The DNO is responsible for distributing electricity from the transmission grid to homes and businesses. They assume responsibility for ensuring constant supply to customers, and the DNO is responsible for locating and solving any outages. Equally, they're responsible for the ongoing maintenance of all their supply lines to avoid outages.
DNOs all share responsibility for operating and administering the Meter Point Administration System, (MPAS), allocating supplies (MPANs) and managing the details of each supply point. In turn, they're responsible for updating the national electricity database, ECOEs.
Identifying and contacting your DNO
The table below shows which DNO manages each region, and how to get in touch with them. It also includes the links to the websites where they confirm power outages. You can locate your DNO by checking the first two numbers of your Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) also known as your MPAN area ID.
| MPAN Area ID | Area | Company | Emergency No. | General Enquiries No. | Confirmed Outages |
| 10 | East England | UK Power Networks | 0800 783 8838 | 0800 029 4285 | Click here |
| 11 | East Midlands | National Grid Electricity Distribution | 0800 056 8090 | 0800 6783 105 | Click here |
| 12 | London | UK Power Networks | 0800 028 0247 | 0845 601 4516 | Click here |
| 13 | North Wales, Merseyside and Cheshire | Scottish Power Energy Networks | 0800 001 5400 | 03301 010 444 | Click here |
| 14 | West Midlands | National Grid Electricity Distribution | 0800 328 1111 | 0800 6783 105 | Click here |
| 15 | North East England | Northern Power Grid | 0800 668 877 | 08000 113 332 | Click here |
| 16 | North West England | Electricity North West | 0800 195 4141 | 0800 048 1820 | Click here |
| 17 | North Scotland | Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution | 0800 300 999 | 0845 071 3954 | Click here |
| 18 | South Scotland | Scottish Power Energy Networks | 0845 272 7999 | 03301 010 444 | Click here |
| 19 | South East England | UK Power Networks | 0800 783 8866 | 0845 601 4516 | Click here |
| 20 | Southern England | Southern Electric Power Distribution | 0800 072 7282 | 0800 048 3516 | Click here |
| 21 | South Wales | National Grid Electricity Distribution | 0800 052 0400 | 0800 6783 105 | Click here |
| 22 | South West England | National Grid Electricity Distribution | 0800 365 900 | 0800 6783 105 | Click here |
| 23 | Yorkshire | Northern Power Grid | 0800 375 675 | 0845 602 4453 | Click here |
DNO map
Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs)
As well as the 14 main distribution networks there are also independent distribution network operators (IDNOs). IDNOs have no geographically defined area of service but have the same job prices as the geographically closest DNO.
IDNOs predominately build network extensions on to the existing distribution network, to serve new housing developments for example. Scottish Hydro Distribution and Southern Energy distribution also provide IDNO services outside of their designated areas.
| MPAN Area ID | Name | Licensee | MPAS Operator ID |
| 24 | Envoy | Independent Power Networks | IPNL |
| 25 | ESP Electricity | ESP Electricity | LENG |
| 26 | Energetics | Global Utilities Connections (Electric) Ltd | GUCL |
| 27 | GTC | The Electricity Network Company Ltd | ETCL |
| 28 | EDF IDNO | UK Power Networks (IDNO) Ltd | EDFI |
DNO equipment issues and timeframes
As your supplier, we’re responsible for replacing and maintaining your electricity meter but there are parts of your set-up which will be the responsibility of your DNO, for a full run-down of this check out the guide below:
If one of our engineers is unable to complete a meter exchange or another job due to an issue with DNO equipment, the engineer will categorise the issue (depending on the type of fault and its urgency - see the table below) and send a report (called an E88) to the DNO. The DNO will then contact you directly to arrange a visit. Once the DNO has attended, you will need to contact OVO to be re-booked for your appointment.
| Category | Timescale for DNO to attend |
| A | Emergency - fix will be implemented ASAP, usually that day. |
| B | 4-6 weeks |
| C | 4-6 months |
Unfortunately we cannot speed any of these up - as they are decided by the DNO.
Scheduling an appointment with your DNO
If you need to book an appointment with us and the DNO for the same day (e.g. an electricity meter repositioning where the cut out also needs moving).
- Please book the appointment with the DNO first for a morning appointment at least 17/27 working days in advance.
- Once you’ve confirmed the DNO booking, we can book an appointment for the afternoon on the same day. Job costs here.
- You’ll receive an automatic email confirmation once the booking has been booked with us.
Got any more DNO queries not covered by the guide above? - Comment below, we’re happy to help work out if they’re the ones you need to speak to!
