UK DNO Region Codes Explained (A–P List & How to Find Yours)

Table of Contents

This article about the DNO Region Codes is a comprehensive read.

Use the Table of Contents below to jump straight to the questions that matter most — or scroll through at your own pace.

What Is a DNO?

A DNO (Distribution Network Operator) is a licensed company that owns and maintains the electricity network in a specific UK region. They manage the cables, substations, and infrastructure that deliver power from the National Grid to your property.

⚡ Important: Your electricity supplier (like Octopus, EDF, or British Gas) bills you for energy, but your DNO delivers the electricity.

What Does DNO Stand For?

DNO = Distribution Network Operator.

It’s not your supplier, but the company responsible for the physical delivery of electricity in your area

How Many DNOs Are There in the UK?

The UK is divided into 14 licensed DNO regions, but they are operated by just six main company groups (UK Power Networks, Northern Powergrid, SP Energy Networks, SSE, Electricity North West, and National Grid).

There are also Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs) who run smaller networks, often for new housing estates or developments.

What Are DNO Region Codes?

Each DNO region is given a unique letter code (A–P).

These codes are used in electricity systems, on MPAN numbers, and by energy suppliers to set region-specific tariffs.

For example, rates on the same tariff can vary slightly depending on your DNO region code.  More expensive in some areas, cheaper in others.

UK DNO Region Codes (A–P List)

Here’s the full list of UK DNO region codes:

Map of UK DNO Regions

Map of electricity distribution networks in Great Britain.

Source: Ofgem, reproduced via UKERC – Regulating electricity distribution networks for net zero (licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).

How Do I Find My DNO Region Code?

You can identify your DNO and region code in three main ways:

1. On Your Electricity Bill (using your MPAN)

Your MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) is a 21-digit number that uniquely identifies your electricity supply. It usually looks like this on your bill:

• The top line is called the “Distributor ID.”

• The first two digits of this line tell you which DNO region you are in.

2. By Postcode

You can use the Energy Networks Association postcode lookup to find your DNO directly.

3. By Phone

Call 105 (free from any phone) to be connected to your local DNO — especially useful in a power cut.

MPAN Distributor ID Codes and DNO Region Mapping

Here’s the accurate, up-to-date mapping between the first two digits of your MPAN, the DNO letter code, and your operator:

👉 Example: If your MPAN starts with 23, your DNO is Northern Powergrid, your region code is M, and your region is Yorkshire.

Live Agile Prices by DNO Region (Octopus API)

You can view the latest Octopus Agile prices for any region by changing the region letter at the end of the tariff code in the API URL. The region letters match the DNO region codes (A–P) listed above.

Example – South Western England – Letter L
https://api.octopus.energy/v1/products/AGILE-24-10-01/electricity-tariffs/E-1R-AGILE-24-10-01-L/standard-unit-rates/

🔎 Note: The L at the end of the tariff code selects South Western England.

Switch to London – letter C
Just change the final letter to C
https://api.octopus.energy/v1/products/AGILE-24-10-01/electricity-tariffs/E-1R-AGILE-24-10-01-C/standard-unit-rates/

You can replace the product code with any Octopus tariff. e.g. AGILE-24-10-01 or INTELLI-VAR-24-10-29

See the Octopus Developer API documentation for more details.

Other Octopus Energy Smart Tariffs

Explore more time-of-use tariffs in our Time-of-Use Tariffs hub. Quick overview:

• Agile — half-hour day-ahead pricing that tracks wholesale costs.

• Cosy — time-bands for cheaper heating periods.

• Go — overnight EV charging at low rates.

• Flux — export-friendly for home solar/battery users.

• Intelligent Go — smart-scheduled EV charging at cheap times.

• Tracker — daily variable unit rate linked to wholesale benchmarks.

• Wholesale Energy Pricing – how wholesale prices can be derived from Agile rates.

Tip: these tariffs reward shifting usage to off-peak times — good for bills and for a more renewables-friendly grid.

Looking for a full breakdown of these tariffs? Check out our Time-of-Use Tariffs hub, where we compare Agile, Cosy, Go, Flux, Intelligent Go, and Tracker side by side and explain how each one works.

If you switch to Octopus Energy using my referral link, you can claim £50 FREE credit. Thank you if you do!

Why Do DNO Region Codes Matter?

Knowing your DNO region code is useful for:

• Smart tariffs & regional pricing → Tariffs like Octopus Agile use DNO region codes to set half-hourly prices.

• Power cuts → You contact your DNO (not your supplier) if the electricity goes out.

• New connections → Applications for solar, batteries, or EV chargers are handled by your DNO

DNO vs IDNO: What’s the Difference?

• DNOs → Cover large, licensed UK regions (the 14 listed above).

• IDNOs (Independent Distribution Network Operators) → Smaller licensed companies that extend or build new networks, often for housing estates, commercial sites, or renewable projects.

What Is an IDNO?

An IDNO (Independent Distribution Network Operator) is a company licensed by Ofgem to own and operate smaller electricity networks. Unlike the 14 regional DNOs, which cover large areas of the UK, IDNOs usually:

• Build and operate new networks for housing developments, business parks, and renewable projects.

• Connect to the main DNO network, but manage the local extensions.

• Set their own network charges, though these are regulated by Ofgem to stay fair.

IDNO vs DNO – Key Differences

Who Are the Main IDNOs in the UK?

Here are some of the main IDNOs licensed by Ofgem:

Quick Recap

• DNO = Distribution Network Operator

• The UK has 14 DNO regions, each with a letter code (A–P).

• IDNOs are smaller, Ofgem-licensed operators that run new or embedded networks.

• Find your DNO via MPAN, postcode, or by calling 105.

• Region codes affect tariffs, supply, and who you call in a power cut.

By understanding your DNO region code (and IDNOs where relevant), you can quickly identify your local network operator, get the right contact in an outage, and understand why your electricity prices vary by region.

Frequently Asked Questions (DNO & IDNO FAQs)

What is a DNO supply?

A DNO supply means electricity delivered to your property via your regional Distribution Network Operator.

Who is my DNO by postcode?

Enter your postcode into the ENA lookup tool or call 105.

What is the difference between a DNO and a supplier?

Your supplier (Octopus, EDF, British Gas, etc.) sells and bills you for energy. Your DNO owns the cables and delivers that electricity to your home.

What is MPAN and how does it link to DNO codes?

An MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) is a unique number for your electricity supply. The first two digits of the Distributor ID section identify which DNO is responsible.

How many DNO region codes are there?

There are 14 DNO region codes (A–P) in the UK.

How do I know if I’m with an IDNO or a DNO?

Most homes are connected through a DNO, but if you live in a new-build development, you may be with an IDNO.

• Check your electricity bill → your MPAN may show an IDNO distributor ID.

• Ask your supplier → they can confirm your network operator.

• Call 105 → the system routes you to the correct operator automatically.

More About DNOs and Region Codes (FAQs)

Who do I call in a power cut?

Dial 105 (free) to reach your local DNO or IDNO directly.

Why are tariff prices different by region?

Energy tariffs and suppliers use your DNO region code to set rates. Electricity costs vary slightly depending on where you live, because each DNO has different network charges.

Is there a map of UK DNO regions?

Yes — the UK electricity network is divided into 14 DNO regions, each with a unique letter code (A–P). See the map above for geographic coverage.