Building Network Operator (BNO)

Building Network Operator

What is BNO?

The term Building Network Operator (BNO) is now firmly associated with electricity supply arrangements for multi- occupied developments. A single shop with a flat above or a high rise block of 200 + apartments now falls into the BNO regime.

So what does ‘BNO’ mean to property developers, builders, electrical contractors, landlords, property management agents, facilities management companies and tenants? It means that the local electricity distribution companies no longer have any interest in the electrical supplies within a building other than their single unmetered intake point. Beyond the intake point there is still a significant amount of electrical equipment to serve each and every residential and commercial metering point within the building.

This represents a fundamental change in who takes responsibility for the continuity and quality of your electricity supplies. Previously any issue or problem ‘before the meter’ was the responsibility of the local electricity distribution company i.e. UK Power Networks , SSE, Western Power Distribution etc. That’s no longer the case. Any such issue ‘after the intake point’ but ‘before the meter’ is now the responsibility of the BNO.

UK Power Networks BNO-Guide.pdf

So who is the BNO?

That’s a good question, and one that you need to consider, quickly

The Building Network Operator is the organisation or individual who owns, and is therefore responsible for, this internal electrical distribution equipment that’s serving each and every unit or apartment. Loss of supplies and restoration, safety concerns, damage repair, alterations & extensions etc. are all now the responsibility of the BNO.

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Our Services

Standard Audit

Suitable for the majority of the buildings:

● Assess the buildings mains power distribution.

● Ensure no visual HSE risks are present - Lights and Power.

● Thermographic test to identify ‘hot spots’ posing risks of fire. A hot spot could be simply a loose connection within a distribution panel. Identifying a hot spot early and rectifying it could potentially save that connection burning out and therefore preventing a ‘no supply’ crisis at a later date. Prevention is better than cure.

● A record of the existing equipment will be made and maintained. This will prove invaluable for future emergency callouts. The record will include the specific make of equipment and location of all the main apparatus.

● During the initial audit distribution panels and associated switchgear will be sealed i.e. physically secured to prevent unauthorised tampering and reduce the risk of any illegal abstraction (theft of electricity).

Advanced Audit

Required if a building has been flagged or there is a concern for electrical safety

● Will include all items listed as part of the standard audit with an additional full visual inspection of connections of main supply cables within flats (typically, SWA, MICC, Pyro, or Conduit).

Annual Inspection

● A visual check on the whole network to ensure no deterioration since the initial audit or last inspection. Another thermographic survey. Also checking to ensure the security seals remain intact no tampering, no vermin damage etc.

● Minor repairs will be attended to there and then. Any significant work required will be reported and a quotation issued for.

● Our annual inspection service keeps you compliant with current regulations and helps you ensure continuity of supply.

Emergency Call Out 24/7

Whether it’s one or all tenants reporting a loss of supply, a smell of burning, flood damage or any safety concern whatsoever we’ll attend to restore supplies and ensure safety. We’ll take complete ownership of the problem and, if necessary, liaise with the local Distribution Network Operator.