IDNO Applications: G98 & G99 on Independent Networks
New-build estates and modern industrial parks are often served by an Independent DNO — not the regional DNO their postcode suggests. We identify the right operator and submit your G98 or G99 through the correct route.
What is an IDNO?
An Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) owns and operates the local electricity distribution network for a specific area — typically a new-build housing estate, industrial park or commercial development. IDNOs are Ofgem-licensed to the same technical standards as the six regional DNOs. What makes them independent is who built the network in the first place: an IDNO network was constructed by a contractor working for the site developer, then adopted and operated by the IDNO for the long term.
For a typical solar or battery installation the technical requirements are identical to a regional DNO — G98 or G99 applies based on per-phase output, the same SLD requirements apply, and G100 export limitation still needs certification. What changes is who receives the application and how you submit it.
Major UK IDNOs we submit to
The six IDNOs that account for the majority of applications we route on independent networks. We hold direct submission relationships with each.
GTC (Gas Transportation Company / Last Mile)
One of the largest UK IDNOs. Common on major national housebuilder estates.
Housing developments by Barratt, Persimmon, Taylor Wimpey, Bellway and other volume housebuilders regularly appear on GTC networks.
ESP Utilities Group
Independent electricity and gas networks across residential and commercial developments UK-wide.
Frequent on mixed-use residential + light commercial schemes. G98s tend to process smoothly when documentation is complete first time.
Energetics Networks
Independent electricity, gas and water networks. Strong Scottish presence but operate UK-wide.
Frequently the IDNO on Scottish new-build estates. G99 applications require the same technical rigour as SPEN or SSEN.
Leep Utilities
IDNO for commercial and industrial developments, including logistics parks and industrial estates.
Frequently encountered on commercial rooftop solar over new-build warehousing.
UKPS (UK Power Solutions)
IDNO across residential and mixed-use developments.
Often confused with UK Power Networks (UKPN) — different organisation, different portal, different process.
Vattenfall Networks
IDNO on selected UK developments, part of the wider Vattenfall energy group.
Smaller footprint than the major UK IDNOs but growing on newer residential schemes.
Other UK IDNOs exist (Fulcrum, Independent Power Networks, IPS Grid, MEL Networks, and several regional players). If your site connects to an IDNO not listed here, we still handle it — send us the MPAN and we'll identify the correct operator and submission route.
Where IDNO applications go wrong
The five patterns we see catch installers out when they've submitted their own IDNO applications.
Assuming the postcode DNO is the right one
The site sits inside a UKPN or NGED region geographically, but the meter is connected to an IDNO's private network. Submitting to the wrong operator gets bounced immediately.
MPAN is the only reliable route
The MPAN's second half (the MPRN or 'top-line' fields) identifies the actual network operator. Check the MPAN before you check the postcode — it's the only source of truth.
Different portal per IDNO
Each IDNO uses its own submission process. Some accept email submissions with a signed application pack; others have online portals. There's no shared ENA route for IDNOs.
Timescales less predictable than DNOs
Ofgem's incentive framework focuses on the six regional DNOs. IDNO turnaround varies from same-day to several weeks depending on operator and workload.
Chargeable connection offers more likely
IDNO networks are often designed to the developer's original demand assumptions. Adding generation post-completion can trigger reinforcement costs that a regional DNO would absorb.
How to identify which IDNO your site is on
Four steps, in order. The MPAN is always the definitive source — postcode lookups can mislead when a site sits on an IDNO's private network.
- 1
Look at the MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) on the customer's electricity bill or in the meter cabinet
- 2
The 13-digit reference identifies the licensed distribution network — the top-line data reveals the actual operator
- 3
If unsure, request the MPAN details from the electricity supplier (they can provide the network operator on request)
- 4
Contact us with the MPAN and we'll identify the IDNO and route the application correctly
Sites we typically see on IDNO networks
New-build residential estates
Volume housebuilder developments (Barratt, Persimmon, Taylor Wimpey, Bellway) frequently sit on GTC, ESP or Energetics networks.
Industrial parks & warehousing
Modern logistics and distribution parks are often built with a Leep or ESP network. Commercial rooftop solar over these buildings routes through the IDNO.
Mixed-use commercial
Residential-plus-retail developments and business parks with their own private substations are common IDNO territory.
How we handle IDNO applications
Same platform, same portal experience, same DNO Renewables engineers. What changes is the submission route — we handle that transparently.
Operator identification
We check the MPAN against operator records before touching any application form — no wrong-operator submissions.
Correct submission route
Each IDNO has its own portal, email address or online form. We use the current route directly with the operator, not through an intermediary.
Documentation prepared to spec
IDNOs vary in what they expect in the SLD and LOA. Our engineers know what each operator wants first time.
Chased like any other application
5-working-day chase cadence applies to IDNOs too. We stay on it until you have an approval PDF.
IDNO application FAQs
What is an IDNO?
An Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) owns and operates a local electricity distribution network, typically built to serve a new-build development. IDNOs are licensed by Ofgem to the same standards as the six regional DNOs (UKPN, NGED, SSEN, SPEN, ENW, Northern Powergrid). The difference is that IDNO networks were originally built by a developer's contractor rather than the incumbent regional DNO.
How do I know if my project is on an IDNO network?
The MPAN on the electricity bill or meter is the only reliable source of truth. Postcode-based lookups will tell you the regional DNO for the area, but the site itself might sit on an IDNO's private network — which is what determines who receives your application. If the site is a new-build estate, industrial park, or was built in the last 15 years, an IDNO connection is very possible.
Which UK IDNOs do you submit applications to?
We regularly submit G98 notifications and G99 applications to GTC / Last Mile, ESP Utilities Group, Energetics Networks, Leep Utilities, UKPS, and Vattenfall Networks. We handle the operator identification and submission route so you don't need separate accounts with each one.
Do IDNO applications cost more?
Our fee is the same regardless of whether it's a regional DNO or an IDNO — G98 from £50+VAT, G99 from £125+VAT. The IDNO's own charges vary: some are free for simple G98s and standard G99s, others charge an assessment fee. Chargeable connection offers are more common with IDNOs than with regional DNOs because their networks were originally designed for a specific demand profile.
Is an IDNO the same as an IGT?
No. An IDNO handles electricity distribution; an IGT (Independent Gas Transporter) handles gas. Some parent groups (like Last Mile or GTC) operate both an IDNO and an IGT under related brands, but the applications go through different regulatory routes.
Can I switch from an IDNO to the regional DNO?
Generally, no. Once a network has been built and adopted by an IDNO, it stays with that operator. The customer can still switch electricity supplier freely — that's separate from who owns the physical distribution network.
Why does an IDNO application take longer than a regional DNO?
IDNOs sit outside Ofgem's regional turnaround incentive framework. Some are as responsive as UKPN; others run at their own pace. G99 applications in particular can take longer because network capacity records may need to be verified against the original developer's design documents.