Who is my DNO?
Quick answer
Your DNO (distribution network operator) is the company that owns and runs the cables, poles and substations that bring electricity to your home. It’s based on where you live, not who you pay for electricity. For a power cut in Great Britain, call 105.
Supplier vs DNO
| Energy supplier | DNO | |
|---|---|---|
| What they do | Sell you electricity and send bills | Maintain the local network that delivers it |
| Can you choose? | Yes, you can switch | No, it depends on your area |
| Contact them for | Bills, tariffs, meters (usually) | Power cuts, new connections, moving a supply, damaged lines |
The DNOs in Great Britain
Great Britain has 14 licensed distribution areas run by six companies:
| Company | Main areas |
|---|---|
| UK Power Networks | London, South East, East of England |
| National Grid Electricity Distribution | Midlands, South West, South Wales |
| SSEN (Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks) | North of Scotland, Central Southern England |
| SP Energy Networks | Central and Southern Scotland, Merseyside, North Wales |
| Northern Powergrid | North East, Yorkshire |
| Electricity North West | North West England |
In Northern Ireland, the network operator is NIE Networks.
How to find yours
- Use the Energy Networks Association postcode lookup.
- Check your electricity bill: the first two digits of your MPAN (the long number in the “supply number” box) show your distribution area.
- Call 105, the free power cut number in England, Scotland and Wales. It connects you automatically to your local DNO.
When to contact your DNO
- Power cuts and outages
- Damaged power lines or substations (stay well away and call 105, or 999 if there’s immediate danger)
- New connections, extensions or moving a meter
- Joining the Priority Services Register if you rely on power for medical equipment
Other UK lookups: who is my MP and what is my council tax band.
Still curious?
Jump to a random question from the archive.