A distribution network operator (DNO), also known as a distribution system operator (DSO), is the operator of the electric power distribution system which delivers electricity to most end users. Each country may have many local distribution network operators, which are separate from the transmission system operator (responsible for transporting power in bulk around the country).
France
In France, Enedis, a subsidiary of EDF, distributes approximately 95% of electricity, with the remaining 5% distributed by 160 local electricity and gas distribution companies (entreprises locales de distribution d'électricité et de gaz or ELD).[1]
There are fourteen licensed geographically defined areas, based on the former area electricity board boundaries, where the distribution network operator distributes electricity from the transmission grid to homes and businesses. Under the Utilities Act 2000 they are prevented from supplying electricity; this is done by a separate electricity supply company, chosen by the consumer, who makes use of the distribution network.
Distribution network operators are also responsible for allocating the core Meter Point Administration Number used to identify individual supply points in their respective areas, as well as operating and administering a Meter Point Administration System that manages the details relating to each supply point. These systems then populate ECOES (Electricity Central Online Enquiry Service), the central online database of electricity supply points. Their trade association is the Energy Networks Association.
History
Map of DNO licence areas, coloured by company group (situation as of 2010)
In 1990, the area boards were replaced by regional electricity companies, which were then privatised. The distribution network operators are the successors to the distribution arms of the regional electricity companies. The distribution network operators have a trade association called the Energy Networks Association.
As of October 2022[update], six company groups hold the fourteen distribution licences:[2]
In addition to the distribution network operators noted above who are licensed for a specific geographic area there are also independent distribution network operators (IDNO). IDNOs own and operate electricity distribution networks which will predominantly be network extensions connected to the existing distribution network, e.g. to serve new housing developments.
Area ID
Name
Licensee
MPAS Operator ID
24
Envoy
Independent Power Networks
IPNL
25
ESP Electricity
ESP Electricity
LENG
26
Last Mile Electricity
Last Mile Electricity
GUCL
27
GTC
The Electricity Network Company Ltd
ETCL
28
EDF IDNO
UK Power Networks (IDNO) Ltd
EDFI
29
Harlaxton Energy Networks Ltd
Harlaxton (IDNO)
HARL
30
Leep Electricity Networks Ltd
Leep Electricity Networks (IDNO)
PENL
31
UK Power Distribution Ltd
UK Power Distribution Ltd
UKPD
32
Energy Assets Networks Ltd
Energy Assets Networks Ltd.
UDNL
33
Eclipse Power Networks
Eclipse Power Networks
GGEN
34
mua Electricity Ltd
mua Electricity Ltd
MPDL
35
Fulcrum Electricity Assets
Fulcrum Electricity Assets
FEAL
36
Vattenfall Networks Ltd
Vattenfall Networks Ltd
VATT
37
Optimal Power Networks
Optimal Power Networks
FORB
38
Indigo Power Limited
Indigo Power Limited
INDI
39
Squire Energy Metering Ltd
Squire Energy Metering Ltd
STRK
40
Utility Assets Limited
Utility Assets Limited
UTAL
42
Advanced Electricity Networks
Advanced Electricity Networks
AENL
43
IDCS Ltd
IDCS Ltd
IDCS
Building network operators
A further, smaller level of distribution is the building network operator (BNO), usually a company employed by the building owner, in a large building with many meters, such as a block of private flats.
In this case, the DNO may act as BNO and its responsibility may include the sub-mains to the individual flats, or DNO responsibility may end at the first incomer, in which case the independent BNO is responsible for the secure distribution cabling 'laterals' between that point and the individual fuses and meters.
Historically such cabling would have been maintained and sealed by electricity boards that preceded the DNOs, and different DNOs supplying buildings of different sizes and conditions, may choose to adopt the wiring in the building or to insist that an independent BNO is appointed.[3] Unlike a DNO or an IDNO, BNOs may be exempted from any licensing requirement by schedules 2 and 3 of The Electricity (Class Exemptions from the Requirement for a Licence) Order 2001[4] and this allows those responsible for the building network (such as a housing association) to employ any suitable electrical contractor on an ad-hoc basis.
Canada
In Canada, the distribution network operators are known as local distribution companies (LDC).
LDCs normally buy their power from larger companies, sometimes ones dedicated solely to wholesale supply. They re-sell it to the smaller customer. Larger customers typically buy their power directly from the wholesaler, and do not use the LDC.
