Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs) develop, operate and maintain local electricity distribution networks.
IDNO networks are directly connected to the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) networks or indirectly to the DNO via another IDNO.
What is the difference between an IDNO and a DNO?
Each of the 14 DNOs covers a separate geographical region of Great Britain. IDNOs own and operate smaller networks located within the areas covered by the DNOs. IDNO networks are mainly extensions to the DNO networks serving new housing and commercial developments.
These are the currently licensed IDNOs:
- Eclipse Power Limited
- Energy Assets Networks Limited
- Energetics Electricity Limited
- ESP Electricity Limited
- Fulcrum Electricity Assets Limited
- Harlaxton Energy Networks Limited
- Independent Power Networks Limited
- Leep Electricity Network Limited
- Murphy Power Distribution Limited
- The Electricity Network Company Limited
- UK Power Distribution Limited
- Utility Assets Limited
- Vattenfall Network Limited
IDNOs are regulated in the same way as DNOs, except the IDNO licence does not have all the conditions of the DNO licence.
We regulate the amounts that IDNOs can charge their customers for using their networks via a ‘Relative Price Control’. This requires IDNO charges to be capped for all customers at a level broadly consistent with the DNO equivalent charge.