IDNO
Independent Distribution Network Operator
Network OperatorsA private electricity network operator, typically on new housing estates or business parks, that owns and maintains the local cables but must charge the same distribution rates as the regional DNO.
When new developments are built, the developer can choose to have the electricity network installed by either the regional DNO or an Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO). IDNOs are private companies that build, own, and operate these local networks, connecting them to the wider distribution system.
For customers on IDNO networks, the practical experience is largely the same as being on a DNO network. Crucially, IDNOs are subject to "Relative Price Control" - they must charge the same distribution rates as the host DNO, so you won't pay more (or less) just because you're on a private network.
Key IDNO facts:
- Distributor IDs 24 and above (versus DNOs at 10-23)
- 19+ licensed IDNOs in Great Britain
- Common on new housing developments, business parks, EV charging infrastructure
- Must mirror host DNO rates (Ofgem's Relative Price Control)
- Major IDNOs include: GTC/BUUK (IDs 24, 27), ESP/LENG (ID 25), Indigo Power (ID 38)
You can identify an IDNO connection by the Distributor ID in your MPAN - codes 24 and above indicate an IDNO rather than one of the 14 DNOs.
Example
Distributor ID 25 = ESP Electricity (LENG) - common on new developmentsRelated terms
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