There are many acronyms and terms thrown about when looking at heating and heat pumps in particular. You may be familiar with many, such as ASHPs or GSHPs, but there’s one acronym that you may not have heard of but which is essential when planning to integrate a heat pump into your home’s heating.
Your DNO, or Distribution Network Operator, is an organisation you’ll need to contact and interact with when planning energy or heating upgrades to a property, such as adding a heat pump to your home.
Understanding the role of your DNO as well as why you’ll need to speak to them will help make the process as smooth as possible, reducing any delays in getting your new heating system installed and running.
What is a DNO?
The acronym DNO stands for Distribution Network Operator. A DNO is a company which owns and controls the power lines and infrastructure that connects the National Grid to a property or building.
This is essential as the National Grid operates at voltages normal houses cannot use. DNOs are intermediaries who specialise in taking that high voltage power from the National Grid and converting it into power that you can use.
Why do I need to contact my DNO?
The main reason you would need to get in touch with your DNO is if you are planning on making major electrical changes to a property, such as installing heat pumps or including a dedicated electric vehicle charging point.
Depending on the new requirements of your property the infrastructure connecting to it may need to be upgraded. The only way to know for sure is to get in touch with your DNO and inform them of the changes you are planning on making. This depends on the energy device in question, with different requirements for different energy devices.
Your DNO will be able to investigate on your behalf and advise as appropriate. They will check the existing power supply to your property and be able to see if the existing supply is sufficient for your new requirements. In addition, they will also be able to give you a quotation for any upgrades that will be necessary.
It is important, when planning a renovation, to get in touch with your DNO when advised. This will allow you to factor in any costs as well as get started on any works that are needed, allowing a smooth installation that follows all regulations. It’s worth noting that many heat pump suppliers require confirmation from your DNO that your district network can provide sufficient power for the heat pump.
How to contact your DNO
Depending on the reason you are contacting your DNO there are different ways to contact them.
Contacting your DNO regarding a Heat Pump
When installing or planning to install a heat pump such as an electric vehicle charging point, heat pump, or solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, you should register them with your DNO so they can investigate the infrastructure connecting to your property and advise you on whether they will need to upgrade your connections.
Nu-Heat can examine the energy device you are installing and let you know if you need to contact your DNO before or after installation. We can let you know if the device and required connection is ‘connect and notify’ or ‘apply and connect’ and will be able to provide the correct document to submit to the DNO with the heat pump detail pre completed, however your electrician will also need to complete other sections of the form prior to submission.
Connect and Notify
The device can be installed immediately and the DNO must be notified of the heat pump within 28 days of installation. When contacting the DNO, the relevant Engineering Recommendation (EREC) G98 application form must be used.
Apply to Connect
In this case the DNO must be notified prior to the installation. The relevant Engineering Recommendation (EREC) G99 application form (or G100 if export is limited) must be submitted to your DNO to ensure that the device can be fitted safely and effectively. Your DNO will be in touch within 45 days for low voltage energy devices and within 65 days for high voltage energy devices.
Who is my Distribution Network Operator?
Thankfully, locating your DNO for your particular area and finding their contact information is simple. Head over to the Energy Networks website and enter your postcode. This will give you all the details you need, combined with the information above in this article, to speak with your DNO regarding your requirements.
Further information
To read more about how Nu-Heat specialise in installing heat pumps and heating solutions in your home or property, head over to our case studies where we show how we can make the difference in getting your new heating system up and running smoothly.
Additional information can be found over on our knowledge hub where we host a range of resources aimed at getting you the details you need about underfloor heating systems, installation manuals, and much more.
Nu-Heat is proud to operate the Nu-Heat Registered Installer Network, a group of experienced and qualified installers who can use their knowledge to help you get your installation done quickly and correctly.
For any further questions regarding installing heat pumps in your property, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team – we’d love to hear from you.
