Your DNO in ScotlandSPEN & SSEN Solar Guide
⚠ Important for Scottish homeowners
Much UK solar advice refers to DNOs that do not exist in Scotland. UK Power Networks covers London and the South East. Western Power Distribution covers the Midlands and South West. Northern Powergrid covers the North East of England. None of these operate in Scotland. If you are in Scotland, your DNO is SPEN or SSEN.
SP Energy Networks
SPEN
Coverage Area
SPEN Solar Connections
G98 (<3.68kWp): 30-day prior notice
G99 (>3.68kWp): application + approval required
Scottish & Southern
SSEN
Coverage Area
SSEN Solar Connections
G98 (<3.68kWp): 30-day prior notice
G99 (>3.68kWp): application + approval required
We Handle All DNO Applications
G98 Notification
For systems up to 3.68kWp per phase. We submit 30-day prior notice to SPEN or SSEN on your behalf.
G99 Application
For systems above 3.68kWp. We prepare and submit the full G99 application and manage any queries from your DNO.
Rural Connections
SSEN rural areas can have specific grid constraints. We assess and address these as part of system design.
DNO Scotland FAQs
Scotland is served by two Distribution Network Operators (DNOs). SP Energy Networks (SPEN) covers the Central Belt including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Fife, Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, the Borders and Dumfries & Galloway. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) covers the Highlands, Islands, North East Scotland (Aberdeen area), Tayside, Perthshire and Argyll & Bute. Scottish Energy Efficiency will confirm your DNO as part of every installation. Call 0141 230 0198.
G98 and G99 are engineering standards that govern how solar panels connect to the UK grid, including in Scotland. G98 applies to solar systems up to 3.68kWp per phase — you notify your DNO (SPEN or SSEN) 30 days before installing. G99 applies to systems above 3.68kWp — you must apply to your DNO and receive approval before installing. Both SPEN and SSEN have their own processes. Scottish Energy Efficiency handles all G98/G99 applications on your behalf. Call 0141 230 0198.
The G98/G99 standards are UK-wide, but the application processes and timelines differ between DNOs. SPEN and SSEN have their own online portals and specific requirements. If you read advice about DNO processes that mentions UK Power Networks (UKPN), Western Power Distribution, or Northern Powergrid, that advice does not apply in Scotland. Scottish Energy Efficiency works regularly with both SPEN and SSEN. Call 0141 230 0198.
Yes — your DNO (SPEN or SSEN) may have constraints on how much solar generation can connect to your local network, particularly in rural areas with older grid infrastructure. In some SSEN areas (Highlands, Islands), generation limits and grid capacity can affect system sizing. We assess your specific location and liaise with your DNO to find the optimal system size. Call 0141 230 0198.
For G98 systems (up to 3.68kWp per phase), you only need to notify the DNO 30 days before installation — no approval required. For G99 systems (above 3.68kWp), SPEN and SSEN aim to respond within 30 days for straightforward applications, but complex or rural connections can take longer. Scottish Energy Efficiency manages the entire DNO application process. Call 0141 230 0198.
SP Energy Networks (SPEN) operates two distribution networks in Scotland: SP Distribution (Central Central Belt) and SP Manweb (which also covers Wales). In Scotland, SPEN covers Glasgow, Edinburgh, Fife, Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, Lothians, the Borders, and Dumfries & Galloway. SPEN also operates the electricity transmission network across south and central Scotland.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) covers the Highlands, Islands (Orkney, Shetland, Western Isles), North East Scotland including Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, Tayside including Dundee and Perth, Perthshire, Argyll & Bute, and parts of Stirlingshire. SSEN serves a large geographical area with many rural properties and island communities.
No — the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) registration and payment process is the same across Scotland and the rest of the UK. You register your solar system with a licensed SEG provider (such as Octopus Energy) regardless of whether you're in SPEN or SSEN territory. SEG payments of 1–25p/kWh on flat-rate tariffs are not affected by your Scottish DNO. Call 0141 230 0198.
Heating Systems for Scotland
Gas, oil, LPG, heat pumps, and electric heating — all available through our Gas Safe registered partner.
Heating in Scotland: Gas, oil, LPG boiler replacement and clean-heat upgrades (heat pumps with up to GBP 7,500 grant plus GBP 7,500 loan via Home Energy Scotland) installed by our partner Home Heating Services (Scotland) Ltd — Gas Safe 559575, MCS IAA10151. Call 0141 230 0198.
Last updated 2026-06-01
Gas Boilers in Scotland
For homes in Scotland with mains gas, a high-efficiency A-rated condensing boiler is often the fastest solution when a boiler fails. Modern combi and system boilers from Worcester Bosch, Baxi, and Glow-Worm achieve 92-94% efficiency, significantly reducing running costs compared to older models. A gas boiler replacement in Scotland typically costs £1,800-£3,500 installed depending on system type and complexity. Like-for-like gas boiler swaps are not eligible for HES grant funding — the grant is reserved for clean-heat upgrades such as heat pumps. If you're considering a longer-term move away from gas, the Alternative Heating tab covers funded options including air source heat pumps with up to £7,500 grant plus £7,500 interest-free loan.
Heating installations are carried out by our Gas Safe registered partner, Home Heating Services (Scotland) Ltd.
Get a heating quoteOil Boilers in Scotland
Some properties in Scotland rely on oil heating, particularly those in more rural areas. Oil boiler replacements remain an option where a system has failed, but oil prices are volatile and running costs are typically higher than gas or heat pump alternatives. A replacement oil boiler costs £3,000-£5,500 installed in Scotland. Scottish homeowners switching from oil to an air source heat pump can access the HES grant of up to £7,500 (£9,000 for rural properties with the £1,500 rural uplift on the grant) plus an interest-free loan of up to £7,500 — making the switch far more affordable than it first appears. Heat pumps also benefit from 0% VAT until 31 March 2027. For off-gas Scotland homes, moving from oil to a heat pump is the most funded upgrade available. See the Alternative Heating tab for details.
Heating installations are carried out by our Gas Safe registered partner, Home Heating Services (Scotland) Ltd.
Get a heating quoteLPG Boilers in Scotland
LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) boilers serve off-gas-grid homes in Scotland as an alternative to oil. They are cleaner-burning than oil but remain a fossil fuel with volatile pricing. An LPG boiler replacement typically costs £2,200-£4,000 installed. Running costs are generally comparable to oil heating, though LPG tanks require regular deliveries and rental agreements. As with oil, switching from LPG to an air source heat pump in Scotland qualifies for the HES grant (up to £7,500, or £9,000 rural with the grant uplift) plus an interest-free loan of up to £7,500. The 0% VAT on heat pumps (until 31 March 2027) makes this a strong financial case for LPG homes looking to reduce bills long-term. Our partner handles the full transition from LPG to heat pump, including decommissioning.
Heating installations are carried out by our Gas Safe registered partner, Home Heating Services (Scotland) Ltd.
Get a heating quoteAlternative Heating in Scotland
Air source heat pumps are the most popular clean-heat option for Scotland homes, heavily supported by Scotland's Home Energy Scotland grants. The HES grant provides up to £7,500 towards installation (£9,000 for rural properties with the grant-only uplift), plus an interest-free loan of up to £7,500, and 0% VAT applies until 31 March 2027. Running costs are typically 30-50% lower than oil or LPG. Hybrid systems (heat pump plus existing boiler) suit older properties where a full switch isn't immediately practical. Solar thermal and biomass boilers may also be considered in Scotland where appropriate. All clean-heat installations are carried out by our Gas Safe registered partner, Home Heating Services (Scotland) Ltd, who hold MCS certification for heat pump work.
Heating installations are carried out by our Gas Safe registered partner, Home Heating Services (Scotland) Ltd.
Get a heating quoteCeramic / Electric in Scotland
Modern electric heating has evolved far beyond old-style storage heaters. High-retention ceramic storage heaters, electric boilers, and infrared panels are increasingly popular in Scotland for flats, hard-to-treat properties, and homes without gas. They require no annual servicing, produce zero local emissions, and suit properties where heat pump installation is impractical (e.g. tenements without outdoor space). Running costs are higher than heat pumps but lower than older electric systems, especially on time-of-use tariffs. Ceramic heaters retain heat for 8-12 hours, releasing it gradually. When combined with solar PV and battery, electricity costs can be near-zero during daylight. ECO4 (means-tested, extended to 31 December 2026) may fund electric heating upgrades for eligible Scotland households.
Heating installations are carried out by our Gas Safe registered partner, Home Heating Services (Scotland) Ltd.
Get a heating quotePartner credentials: Heating installations delivered by Home Heating Services (Scotland) Ltd — MCS certified (IAA10151) · TrustMark registered (3559930) · Gas Safe registered (559575). MCS certified, TrustMark registered, Gas Safe registered.
Heating FAQ — Scotland
What heating systems can I get installed in Scotland?+
Should I replace my boiler or switch to a heat pump in Scotland?+
Is there funding for heating upgrades in Scotland?+
How quickly can a broken boiler be replaced in Scotland?+
What heating suits an off-gas home in Scotland?+
Who carries out the heating installation?+
Scotland Solar — DNO Handled for You
SPEN & SSEN applications managed as standard. Scotland-only. MCS-registered installation partner.
Part of Scottish Energy Efficiency