Glossary

AMR

This is the term given to a system that provides automatic meter readings remotely. It uses telephone technology and holds the ability to transfer data into a billing system.

Annual Quantity (AQ)

It is the sum of the annual consumption of all meters on a site. This comes from National Grid, and is based on historical usage from previous years. It is measured in kWh. Supply Point AQ is the total annual consumption of all meters on a site. Meter Point AQ is the AQ for a particular Meter Point.

Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC)

This is a mandatory scheme aimed at improving energy efficiency and cutting emissions in large public and private sector organisations. These organisations are responsible for around 10% of the UK emissions. This scheme features a range of reputational, behavioral and financial drivers, which aim to encourage organisations to develop energy management strategies that promote a better understanding of energy usage.

Climate Change Levy (CCL)

A government-imposed tax to encourage reduction in gas emissions and greater efficiency of energy used for business or non domestic purposes. CCL is chargeable only on units/kWh used and not on any other component of the bill, e.g. standing charge. The rate of CCL is now index-linked and therefore subject to change on 1 April each year.

Data Aggregator

The company that collates data into a usable format for the supplier to invoice.

Data Collector

The data collector will gather the half hourly data from the meters.

De-Minimus

Refers to a threshold of consumption below which commercial sites are classified as having domestic usage. As such sites will attract the lower rate of VAT and will be CCL exempt.

  • Gas 145kWh per day or 4,397kWh per month
  • Electricity 33kWh per day or 1,000kWh per month

Distributor

The country is split into Distribution Areas and each Area has a Distribution Network Operator (DNO) who is responsible for the Distribution Infrastructure and its maintenance.

Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC)

The expected annual usage for individual supply.

Exit Code/Zone

Determines where the meter is with the charge based on how far it is away from the entry point.

Green Energy

Energy derived from renewable resources such as wind and solar.

Liquid Fuel

These are the contracts for Products such as: Diesel, Gas Oil, ULS Petrol and Kerosene.

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

Is natural gas (predominantly methane, CH4) that has been converted temporarily to liquid form for ease of storage or transport.

Local Distribution Zone (LDZ)

A geographic area supplied by one or more NTS offtakes. Consists of LTS and distribution system pipelines.

Local Transmission System (LTS)

A pipeline system operating at >7barg that transports gas from NTS offtakes to distribution systems. Some large users may take their gas direct from the LTS.

Meter Asset Details (MAD)

These indicate vital information regarding the Gas meter, for example the measurement class, price band, installation date etc.

Meter Asset Manager (MAM)

The MAM is in charge of the general maintenance and upkeep of the Gas meter they are assigned to.

Meter Operator (MOP)

Is responsible for installing and maintaining electricity and gas meters. Since 1998 there has been full competition for meter operators, allowing the meter operator for a particular supply to be contracted with the energy supplier by either the supplier's discretion or at the customer's direction. Consumption data from the installed metering is then collected by the appointed data collector to be submitted for billing.

National Balancing Point (NBP)

A notional point in the UK National Transmission System (NTS) used as a delivery point for gas which is traded 'entry paid' i.e., already in the NTS, rather than 'at the Beach'. For accounting and balancing purposes all gas is said to flow through this point.

National Grid

The gas and electricity network company which deals with the transportation and transmission of gas and electricity in the United Kingdom and maintenance of the networks.

National Transmissions Systems (NTS)

is the network of large-diameter gas pipelines throughout the United Kingdom that supply gas to 40 power stations from natural gas terminals situated on the coast, and also gas distribution companies which lead indirectly to homes.

Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU)

The Official Journal of the European Union is a record of activity for the European Union.

Pass-though Charges

A term used to describe charges raised by the various parties within the electricity and gas supply chain that are passed on to the end user. For electricity this can included green levies, balancing costs and distribution and transmission charges. Pass through charges applicable to the gas supply may include metering and transportation charges.

Renewable Energy

Energy produced using naturally replenishing resources. This includes solar power, wind, wave and tide and hydroelectricity. Wood, straw and waste are often called solid renewable energy. Landfill Gas and Sewerage Gas are referred to as gaseous renewables.

Supplier

An entity authorised by a supply license to supply electricity or gas to the National Grid Network, via the Shipper.

Transporter

The company owning the facilities (eg pipeline) by which gas or liquefied natural gas (LNG) is physically transferred to the end user.

Unidentified Gas (UIG)

Effective from 1st October 2017, UIG is an unavoidable industry cost which is paid by all gas suppliers due to issues such as unregistered meters, pipe leaks and theft of gas by some end users. Since it's implementation in June 2017, suppliers have seen significantly higher than anticipated levels of UIG. This has resulted in a higher charge that suppliers, and then in turn customers, will have to pay.

Wholesale Market

The purchase and sale of gas and electricity from generators to resellers (who sell to retail customers), along with the ancillary services needed to maintain reliability and power quality at the transmission level.

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