Active Power
Also known as ‘Real Power’ or simply ‘Power’. Active power is the rate of producing, transfer or using electrical energy. Measured in watts and often-expressed in kW or MW.
Amp
An Amp is a unit that measures the rate of flow of an electrical current.
Annual Agreed Quantity (AAQ)
The annual volume of gas consumed, measured in Kilowatt hours (kWh).
Apparent Power
The product of the voltage (volts) and the current amps. Comprises both active and reactive power. Measured in kVa or Mva.
Availability Charge
The charge for the amount of power made available to the clients premises. It is related to the agreed supply capacity. The distribution company sets the rate and it is expressed in kVA.
Available Supply Capacity (ASC)
The agreed maximum supply capacity, measured in kVa, which a customer is allowed to take from the distribution system through their connection point. Customers pay a monthly charge for each unit of capacity. The maximum demand should not exceed the ASC.
Base Load
The minimum amount of electricity being used during non-operational hours.
Bearish
Believing that market prices are about to fall.
BETTA
The British Electricity Transmission and Trading Arrangement introduced in 2005 covering England, Wales and Scotland, replacing NETA which did not cover Scotland.
Bilateral Energy Trading
Trading whereby two parties (for example a generator and a supplier) enter into a contract to deliver electricity at an agreed time in the future.
Bullish
Believing that market prices are about to rise.
Calorific Value
The ratio of energy to volume measured in mega joules per cubic meter (MJ/m).
Capacitor
An electrical device that provides reactive power to the system and is often used to compensate for reactive load and help support system voltage.
Carbon Emissions Trading Scheme
A scheme in which greenhouse gas emissions are controlled by setting a cap on total transmissions and allowing the market sectors to reach an economically balanced response via trading of emissions allowances. Allowances are allocated initially, perhaps through a free distribution or through an auction, and the total allocation is adjusted periodically.
Carbon Trust
An independent not-for-profit company set up by the government with support from business to encourage and promote the development of low carbon technologies. Key to this aim is its support for UK businesses in reducing carbon emissions through funding, supporting technological innovation and by encouraging more efficient working practices.
CCGT (Combined Cycle Gas Turbine)
A gas fired electricity generation plant.
CCL Discount
The benefits of the Climate Change Levy Discount Scheme result in up to 80% discount on the CCL in return for meeting energy or carbon saving targets.
CCL Relief
A reduction of the CCL agreed as part of a trade sector Climate Change Agreement.
Climate Change Agreement
An agreement between the Government and a business user, whereby a reduced rate of Climate Change Levy is payable in return for a commitment by the user to achieve certain pre-determind targets for energy usage or carbon emissions.
Climate Change Levy (CCL)
A charge introduced by the Government on 1 April 2001 on UK non-domestic fuel. The Government’s aim when introducing the levy was to encourage business to use less energy, and contribute to the reduction of Carbon Dioxide emissions.
Climate Change Programme
Published in 2000, it sets out the government and Devolved Administration strategic approach to tackling Climate Change and meeting the UK's Kyoto target of a 12% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2008-2012 and the domestic goal of reducing C02 emissions by 20% by 2010.
CO2
Carbon Dioxide - A Greenhouse gas.
Cogeneration
The simultaneous production of electricity and another form of useful energy (such as heat or steam) through the sequential use of energy, resulting in increased efficiency of fuel use.
Combined Heat & Power (CHP)
CHP is very efficient technology for generating electricity and heat together. A CHP plant is an installation where there is simultaneous generation of usable heat (normally for space heating) and power (usually electricity) in a single process. CHP typically achieves a 35-40% reduction in primary energy useage compared with power stations and heat only boilers.
Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
A gas fired power station where the waste heat is used in manufacturing or district heating.
Communication Charge
The monthly fee payable by a customer, which covers the collection of half hourly data by the meter operator. This can be billed direct by the MOP or passed on through the current supplier.
Connection Agreement
Agreement between client and the local distribution company (for example Central Networks in the Midlands) setting out the terms and conditions with which each are bound concerning the provision and use of the connection.
Contract Price Structures
This indicates a supply offer, which has all delivery charges (DuoS & TuoS) built into the unit rates for the supply of electricity.
Current Transformer
A device that is used to reduce (or increase) the supply current levels. For example a 11000/ 415 Volt transformer would convert a 11,000 volt supply to 415 volt supply.
Customer’s Installation
Any structures, equipment, lines appliances or devices used or to be used by any customer and connected directly or indirectly to the Rec’s network.
Data Aggregator
The organisation appointed to aggregate the meter-reading data received from the appointed Data Collectors and forward it to suppliers.
Data Collector
The organisation responsible for collecting, processing and validating the meter reading data, who then passes the information to the Data Aggregator.
De-energisation
The interruption of supply, so that electricity cannot flow from the network to the premises.
DEFRA
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Demand
The requirement for power.
Demand Site Management
The planning, implementation, and monitoring of activities designed to encourage consumers to modify patterns of electricity usage, including the timing and level of electricity demand.
Disconnection
The permanent removal of the meter, cabling and service from the property once it is established that a supply will not be required in the future. This permanently removes the MPAN.
Distribution System
The local wires, transformers, substations and other equipment used to distribute and deliver energy to consumers.
DPEI
Department of Productivity, Energy and Industry, formerly known as the Department of Trade and Industry.
DUoS (Distribution Use of System)
The charges incurred for distributing electricity across the local area system to the supplied premises.
Embedded Generator
A generator with a direct connection to a PES’s distribution system, rather than NGC’s transmission system.
Energy Watch
A non-governmental body set up to safeguard the interests of energy users.
Energy White Paper
The White Paper is the first comprehensive, forward-looking statement of UK energy policy for over 20 years. The white paper sets four new goals for energy policy: to put ourselves on a path to cut the UK's carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by the year 2050, with real progress by 2020, to maintain the reliability of energy supplies, to promote competitive energy markets in the UK and beyond and to ensure that every home is affordably heated.
Enhanced Capital Allowance
Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs) enable a business to claim 100% first-year capital allowances on their spending on qualifying plant and machinery.
European Emissions Trading Scheme
The EU ETS is one of the policies being introduced across Europe to tackle emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases and combat the serious threat of climate change. The scheme will commence on 1 January 2005. The phase runs from 2005-2007 and the second phase will run from 2008-2012 to coincide with the first Kyoto Commitment Period. Further 5-year periods are expected subsequently.
Excess Availability Charges
A penalty charge being applied by certain suppliers to clients who are drawing kVa above their Available Supply Capacity (ASC). This can be three times the contracted pence per kVa rate.
Exit Point
A point of connection at which a supply of electricity may flow between the Rec’s system and the client’s installation, suppliers installation or the distribution system of another person.
Extra High Voltage
22,000 volts or higher voltage