AMR - Automated meter reading device for business meters. These can communicate by an advanced meter (connected to the meter), a data logger or a gas embedded meter.
Availability (KVA) - this refers to the limit of capacity for a site. E.g. if a site has an Availability of 150 kVA then maximum demand should not exceed that figure at any time. The Agreed capacity and charges are set by the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
Available Supply Capacity (ASC) - Also known as the Agreed Capacity, this is an agreed amount of electrical load for a property, as stated in the property’s Connection Agreement with the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
BSC – Balancing and Settlement Code
BSUoS – Balancing Services Use of System
Calorific Value (CV) - Amount of heat given by the specified quantity of gas. This is used to calculate the energy consumed based on the volume of gas used. It is measured in joules per kilogram.
Carbon Intensity - The amount of CO2 emitted for a volume of electricity. It allows emissions from different sources of electricity to be compared. For example a coal power station produces around 2.5x amount of CO2 for every kilowatt hour of electricity compared to a gas-fired power station.
CCL – Climate change Levy. An environmental levy that is applied to gas and electricity business consumers. Domestic customers and some other industries (such as charities) are exempt.
CT Metering - Metering that is 100 amp and above.
Data Logger - A device used to record meter readings and automatically transmit them to the meter reading agency.
DCDA – Data Collector / Data aggregator for business consumers
DCC – Data communication company – the industry service provider for data communications for domestic consumers.
Demand Side Response (DSR) - Demand Side Response (DSR) are schemes where users are paid to change their energy consumption in response to signals from the National Grid at times of peak energy demand.
Distribution Network Operators (DNO) - Companies that are responsible for operating the networks that connect electricity consumers to the national transmission system and provide interconnection with embedded generation. There are 14 regional distributors, some operate in multiple areas for example Western Power operates in South Wales, Midlands and South West England.
Distribution Use Of System Charges (DUOS) - These charges are published costs made by each Distribution Company for delivering electricity from the Grid Supply Point to the customer’s premises. There are different charges published for different users, e.g domestic, non-domestic and low or high voltage.
District Heating Network - A district heating system is a network of insulated pipes, which delivers heat (or chilled water) from a centralised energy centre to multiple end users.
District Network Operator (DNO) - The DNO manages the installation and upkeep of the cabling, and the distribution of electricity to the grid supply point.
Electricity Meter - A device that measures the amount of electricity used.
Export Metering - This enables a site to export electricity generated onsite.
Fiscal meter – A registered supply point, registered on ECOES (Electricity) or Xoserve (Gas).
Gas Transporter (GT) - Responsible for maintaining a gas supply network. They may also be requested by the Supplier via the Shipper to provide a meter for the consumer’s usage.
Grid Supply Point (GSP) - The (GSP) is the point at which energy is taken from the National Grid transmission system into a local distribution system.
Half Hourly (HH) Meters - A communication device connected to the meter allowing the data collector to remotely connects to the meter, obtaining half-hourly consumption.
Half Hourly Data (HHD) - HHD is the product of the half-hour data meter. Half hourly data is usually presented in excel format, with each day having 48 half hour periods.
High Voltage (HV) - High Voltage (11,000 Volts or above).
IDNO – Independent Distribution Network operator
Line Loss Factor - Line Loss Factor codes are used to calculate the related DUoS charges for an MPAN. The figure gives us the voltage scale of the Mpan and reflects both the amount of transmission infrastructure used to supply the point and the amount of energy lost through heat etc
Low Voltage (LV) - Low Voltage, normally at 240 or 415 Volts.
Mega Watt (MW) - Mega Watt - a measure of power equating to one million watts.
Meter Point Administration Service (MPAS) - Organisation that holds all information of MPANs. www.mpas-online.co.uk
Meter Serial Number - The number printed/ stamped onto a meter. This changes when meter is exchanged.
MOP – Meter operator
MPAN – Meter Point Administration Number (Electricity)
MPRN – Meter Point Reference Number (Gas)
MSN – Meter Serial Number
MTC – Meter time-switch code
NHH – Non Half Hourly
Non Half Hourly (NHH) Meters - Unlike HH meter a meter reader must visit the site to obtain readings.
SPID – Supply Point ID (Water)
Smart meter – typically used in domestic settings, smart meters operated through a centralized data communication company. These take automatic readings to the supplier.
SMETS1 – These smart meters communicate through a 3G mobile network
SMETS2 – These smart meters communicate through a purpose built network
Sub meter - A meter that is not registered with a utility supplier. It can be used to measure consumption at the entire property level or at circuit level.
Sub-Metering - The term often used when a property owner installs a separate meter to monitor the consumption of a utility such as water, gas or electricity. Sub-meter serial numbers and readings are not recognised or used by suppliers but can be used to produce billing for domestic or commercial residents if they are MID compliant meters.
Thermal efficiency - Quantity of heat produced in relation to fuel input.
Transmission Use of System (TUoS) - The charges are incurred for transmitting electricity across the National Grid network from the source of generation to the network of the local distribution company. The level of these charges is usually calculated by applying a rate charge to the TRIAD demand level.
Transportation Charge - A charge made by National Grid for the national transport of the shippers’ gas through the gas network (National and Regional Transmission system and the low and medium pressure distribution system) to the customer. The transportation charge consists of three elements, which are dependent on the locations of the particular terminal and offtake site: capacity charge; commodity charge; and site charge.
Value Added Tax (VAT) - VAT is a government-imposed tax on the supply of goods and services. There are currently 2 rates of VAT applicable to supplies of electricity and gas – the standard rate and the reduced rate.
Voltage - A unit used to measure the electromotive force of an electric current.
Units of Measurement
GW – Gigawatt
GWh – Gigawatt Hour
kA -Kilo Amperes
kV - Kilo Voltage
kVA - kilovolt-ampere
kW - Kilowatt
kWh - Kilowatt Hours
MW - Megawatt
MWh - Megawatt Hour
TWh - Terawatt hour
W – Watt