SP Energy Networks DNO Applications
UK DNO application experts for solar, battery storage, EV chargers, and heat pumps connecting to SPEN. We submit, chase, and get approvals, you focus on installing. Every application is tracked in your portal so you always know where it stands.
Timings drawn from applications submitted through the DNO Renewables platform. Not industry-wide figures.
Working with SPEN: what we've seen
SP Energy Networks operates two non-contiguous licence areas, the Scottish Central Belt (SP Distribution) and the SPMW footprint covering Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales and Shropshire. Both use the same portal, but the engineering teams reviewing G99s work independently. SPEN is particularly strict on technical documentation at the point of submission.
Where SPEN covers
SP Energy Networks is the licensed distribution network operator for Central & Southern Scotland, Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales & Shropshire.
Postcode areas served: G, EH, ML, KY, FK, DG, KA, CH, L, WA, CW, LL
Portal & process
SPEN submissions go through the SP Energy Portal. We hold direct access and submit under our engineering credentials, so you never need to create a DNO portal account.
Our tip: Include complete inverter datasheets from the start. SP Energy reject vague specs quickly.
What we've learned about SPEN
Covers parts of Scotland and North West England
Generally responsive customer service
Full technical spec required for G99 including relay settings
Can impose export limits in constrained areas
Why SPEN applications get bounced
Real reasons we see SPEN kick applications back to installers. Fixing these before submission cuts turnaround dramatically.
- 1
Inverter datasheet missing G99-compliance certification page (SPEN checks this line by line)
- 2
SLD not signed by a qualified engineer
- 3
Protection settings quoted as "factory default" rather than actual values
- 4
Battery specification without discharge behaviour under network fault conditions
Projects we handle in Central & Southern Scotland
The mix of work we submit to SPEN, drawn from the applications flowing through our platform.
High-density domestic solar retrofits across Glasgow and Edinburgh commuter belts
Commercial solar on Merseyside and Cheshire warehousing
Rural North Wales and Shropshire hybrid solar-plus-battery installs
Ground-mount solar on Scottish farmland
How we handle SPEN applications
Every submission is prepared and reviewed by a real DNO engineer before it goes anywhere near the SPEN portal.
Correct routing
We identify G98 vs G99 from per-phase output before submission, no wrong-form rejections.
SLD prepared by experts
Every SLD is drawn by our team and reconciled against the equipment list before submission.
LOA & MPAN verified
The Letter of Authority is checked against the registered account holder for the MPAN.
Proactive chasing
We chase SPEN every 5 working days and respond to information requests the same working day.
SPEN DNO application FAQs
How long does a G98 notification take with SP Energy Networks?
Based on the applications we submit, G98 notifications with SPEN typically take 2–4 working days. Timings vary with system size, portal backlog, and completeness of the submission.
How long does a G99 application take with SP Energy Networks?
G99 applications with SPEN typically take 5–10 weeks. Larger commercial systems, export-limited installs, or projects in constrained areas can take longer, especially if network reinforcement is required.
Which portal does SP Energy Networks use?
SP Energy Networks uses the SP Energy Portal. We submit and manage applications directly through this portal on your behalf under our engineering credentials.
Can I choose to use a different DNO?
No. Your DNO is determined by the geographic location of the installation. SP Energy Networks covers Central & Southern Scotland, Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales & Shropshire, and installers in those areas must submit through them.
Do I need to pay SP Energy Networks to submit an application?
G98 notifications and standard G99 applications are free from the DNO itself. Costs from SPEN only arise if the network requires reinforcement or you receive a chargeable connection offer. Our service fee is separate, G98 from £50+VAT, G99 from £125+VAT.
Is SP Distribution the same as SP Manweb?
They're two licence areas under the same parent (SP Energy Networks). SP Distribution covers the Scottish Central Belt; SPMW / SP Manweb covers Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales and Shropshire. Same portal, separate teams.
Why is SPEN stricter on documentation than other DNOs?
In our records, SPEN engineers verify inverter G99-compliance certificates against the ENA Type Test Register more thoroughly than most. Submitting the full datasheet with the certification page attached avoids the most common bounce.
Submit a SPEN application with us
Add your project details and we'll take it from there. Free portal, pay per application, no lock-in.