Standards of performance
In Great Britain, electricity distribution network operators (DNOs) and independent distribution network operators (IDNOs) are regulated and licensed by Ofgem. There are 14 DNO licences in GB operated by seven companies and 6 IDNO licences.
DNOs hold regional licences for the provision of electricity distribution services in specific areas. There are also three transmission system operators and related licences. Separate arrangements are in place for Northern Ireland transmission and distribution. IDNOs do not have distribution services areas. They own and operate electricity distribution networks which will predominately be network extensions connected to the existing distribution network, e.g. to serve new housing developments.
DNOs are under certain statutory duties and are regulated (in Great Britain) through price controls, which aim to provide incentives to minimise operating, capital and financing costs. IDNOs are regulated in much the same way as DNOs. DNOs and IDNOs are also obliged to meet guaranteed standards of performance.
These are standards of service backed by a guarantee and are established by the Electricity (Standards of Performance) Regulations 2010 and the Electricity (Connection Standards of Performance) Regulations 2010.
ENA members have developed three guides to the standards for suppliers and customers, including how to contact your distribution network operator in the event of a query or claim.
These three guides are as follows:
- The Existing Guaranteed Standard as amended by the Electricity (Standards of Performance) Regulations 2010, which introduced 2 new standards relating to incidents affecting over 5,000 customers in normal weather and rota disconnections.
- New Guaranteed Standards for Connections under the new Electricity (Connection Standards of Performance) Regulations 2010.
- New Unmetered Guaranteed Standards for Connections under the new Electricity (Connection Standards of Performance) Regulations 2010. These apply mainly to Local Authorities.