Distribution network operator (dno) licence area

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Go back to Distribution network operator (dno) licence area summary

These are the questions we answer during the Screen stage.

Answering them wil help us learn more about the Distribution network operator (dno) licence area consideration, determine if a data standard is required and whether we know enough to move on to the next stage.

  • What is the 'Distribution network operator (dno) licence area' consideration?

    There are 14 licensed Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) in Britain and each is responsible for a regional distribution services area. DNO Licence Areas are sometimes referred to as GSP Groups and historically have also been known as Public Electricity Supplier (PES) regions, though the latter name is no longer widely used. - National Energy System Operator (NESO)

  • Is there legislation that defines 'Distribution network operator (dno) licence area'?

    Yes

    • What is the legislation that defines 'Distribution network operator (dno) licence area'?

      In the Electricity Act 1989, section 6, paragraph 5, the legislation states that "A distribution licence may authorise the holder to distribute electricity in any area, or only in an area specified in the licence."

      There are further permutations to the legislation but this is the most applicable to the question.

    • What is the specific part of the legislation that describes how a 'Distribution network operator (dno) licence area' gets designated?

      In section 6 of the Electricity Act 1989, it is explained that "The Authority may grant any of the following licences - " with various options. "The Authority" in this example is OFGEM.

      Section 6A is titled "Procedure for licence applications", and more information can be found there.

      In short, an application should be made with a number of documents (undisclosed) and, should there be one, a fee, and the Authority then makes a decision on acceptance or refusal of the application, where further action can then be taken.

    • What is the specific part of the legislation that requires the publication of 'Distribution network operator (dno) licence area'?

      In section 6A, paragraph (3), the legislation states that "Within the prescribed period after the making of the application the applicant shall publish a notice of the application in the prescribed manner."

      So, if the current 14 licence holders had to apply, this would have been how they would provide a publication.

  • Who, in law, is responsible for the planning consideration or makes decisions about 'Distribution network operator (dno) licence area'?

  • Which organisations do we think should publish the data?

  • Is the Distribution network operator (dno) licence area a trigger?

    No

  • Is the Distribution network operator (dno) licence area something to consult during plan making?

    Yes

    • Provide information about when Distribution network operator (dno) licence area is used during plan making

      During plan-making, it is essential that officers engage with distribution network operators, and specifically, the six companies that hold the 14 distribution licenses: - Electricity North West - Northern Powergrid - SP Energy Networks - Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) - UK Power Networks - Western Power Distribution

      LPAs will need to ensure that any new development will be served by the elecrticity network, as well as ensuring that the increased level of demand generated as a result of growth can be supported by the DNOs. In most cases, on-site provision will be delivered by developers, but there will also be cases where additional demand generated may require financial contributions through developer funding.

  • Is there any Distribution network operator (dno) licence area data already available?

    Yes

  • Do we think the data should come from a single source?

    Yes - this data is produced nationally by the National Energy System Operator (NESO).

  • Will a data standard be required?

    No