G98 DNO notification walkthrough
Free, online, ~10 minutes Engineering Recommendation G98
What is G98?
Engineering Recommendation G98 is the UK Energy Networks Association (ENA) standard covering connection of fully type-tested micro-generators up to and including 16A per phase to the public low-voltage distribution network. An 800W single-phase microinverter draws ~3.5A — comfortably under the threshold — so any compliant balcony / plug-in solar unit falls inside G98.
G98 has two phases:
- Connect & Notify (what you do) — for type-tested single-phase microgeneration up to 16A. The DNO is notified, not asked. No prior approval, no fee.
- Connect & Manage — for borderline or larger installs that need a pre-connection conversation with the DNO. Not relevant for 800W balcony solar.
Step-by-step
Identify your DNO
Your DNO owns the cables that deliver power to your home. It depends on where you live, not who you pay your bill to. Use the table below or call 105 (free) and ask “who is my DNO?”.
Gather installation details
You will need:
- MPAN (13-digit Meter Point Administration Number) — find it on your electricity bill or smart-meter display.
- Installation address and postcode.
- Inverter make and model + rated AC output in kW (must be ≤0.8 kW for the ≤800W portable-appliance pathway).
- Number and total kWp of panels.
- Installer name (if a CPS-registered electrician did the install) or “self” for a compliant DIY plug-in install once those are available.
- Date connected.
Open your DNO’s G98 online form
Every DNO has a portal. Direct links to each DNO’s low-voltage connection / G98 page are in the table below.
Complete and submit
Most forms take ~10 minutes. You will get an email confirmation with a reference number — save it. You do not wait for approval; the notification is the regulatory step.
Keep the records
Store the confirmation, the inverter datasheet (showing anti-islanding compliance), the electrician’s Part P certificate (where applicable), and a photo of the install. If you ever sell the flat, the conveyancer may ask for them.
UK DNOs — who covers your region
| DNO | Regions covered | Where to file |
|---|---|---|
| UK Power Networks | London, South East England, East of England | ukpowernetworks.co.uk — “Generation” → “Connect & Notify (G98)” |
| SSEN (Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks) | Central southern England, North Scotland | ssen.co.uk — “Generation” → “Connect a small generator” |
| NGED (National Grid Electricity Distribution, formerly WPD) | South West, Midlands, South Wales | nationalgrid.co.uk/electricity-distribution — “Connect a generator” |
| Northern Powergrid | North East & Yorkshire | northernpowergrid.com — “Distributed generation” |
| Electricity North West | North West England | enwl.co.uk — “Connections” → “Generation” |
| SP Energy Networks | Central Scotland, Merseyside & North Wales | spenergynetworks.co.uk — “Connections” → “Generation” |
If you don’t know which DNO you fall under, call 105 (UK power emergencies & supplier-of-last-resort line). It is free and they will tell you.
Common gotchas
- DNO ≠ energy supplier. Octopus, EDF, British Gas, OVO, etc. are suppliers — not DNOs. The DNO is the wires company. You file with the DNO.
- MPAN ≠ MPRN. MPAN (electricity) is 13 digits; MPRN (gas) is different. Use MPAN.
- Inverter rated output ≤ 0.8 kW. The form often asks for an inverter rated output figure. It must be ≤0.8 kW (800W) AC, not the panel kWp. Panel capacity can legally be higher behind a clipping inverter.
- Save the reference number. The DNO will sometimes ask for it again if you change supplier or move house.
- Don’t skip G98. An “Amendment 4-compliant” install that hasn’t been notified to the DNO isn’t formally inside the portable-appliance pathway.