What is an Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO)?

Electricity is conveyed from the generator (where it is produced) to the consumer (through an electricity supplier) by means of transmission and distribution networks. These networks are often collectively referred to as ‘the grid’ (although ‘the grid’ was traditionally a shorthand for just the transmission system, and is therefore sometimes still used in that way). For more information on:

1. •

   electricity generators, see Practice Notes: Licensing of GB electricity generation and storage and great britain electricity generation, distribution and supply licensing and exemptions regime

2. •

   electricity transmission networks, see Practice Notes: Licensing of GB Electricity Transmission, The role of National Grid in the Great Britain energy market and The Split of National Grid’s Transmission Owner (TO) and system operator (SO) Roles and Licences [Archived]

3. •

   electricity distribution networks, see Practice Notes: Licensing of GB electricity distribution and Great Britain electricity generation, distribution and supply licensing and exemptions regime

A generator may be connected to the high-voltage ‘National Electricity Transmission System’ (NETS) or directly to a (mainly) low-voltage ‘distribution system’. But