Acronym Meanings

AMR Automated Meter Reading - A system that automatically collects energy usage data from meters without manual readings.

CCL Climate Change Levy - A government tax on business energy use to encourage efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

CDO Capacity Determination Officer -(Water) Role in water companies to assess commercial demand.

DNO Distribution Network Operator - The company responsible for maintaining the local electricity network infrastructure.

DUoS Distribution Use of System charges - Fees paid for using the local electricity network to deliver power to your premises.

FIT Feed-in Tariff - A now-closed government scheme that paid users for generating renewable electricity (e.g. solar panels).

FYA First Year Allowance -Tax relief for investing in energy-efficient equipment.

GDUoS Gas Distribution Use of System - Charges for using the gas pipeline infrastructure.

GWh Gigawatt Hour - Equal to 1 million kilowatt-hours (kWh).

HH Half-Hourly - A type of meter or billing method where electricity usage is recorded every 30 minutes.

kWh Kilowatt Hour A standard unit of energy – what your business is billed for. 1 kWh = using 1,000 watts for 1 hour.

I&C Industrial & Commercial - Refers to large or multi-site business utility users.

ICP Independent Connection Provider - A non-regulated company that can build electricity/gas connections.

IDNO Independent Distribution Network Operator - An alternative to a DNO, managing private/local networks.

IHD In-Home Display - A digital display that shows real-time smart meter usage (often used in small business and homes).

kVA Kilovolt-Ampere - Unit of apparent power capacity – key for determining capacity charges.

LOA Letter of Authority - A document that gives a broker permission to act on your behalf with energy suppliers.

MOP Meter Operator - Responsible for installing and maintaining your electricity meter (required for HH meters).

MPAN Meter Point Administration Number - The unique ID for your electricity supply – like a meter’s postcode.

MPRN Meter Point Reference Number - The unique ID for your gas supply.

MHHS Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement - Reform mandating half-hourly data for all electricity billing by 2026.

NHH Non-Half-Hourly - A traditional electricity meter that records usage less frequently, typically once a day or less.

PPA Power Purchase Agreement - A contract between a generator (like a solar farm) and a buyer for electricity supply.

SC Standing Charge - A fixed daily fee for being connected to the energy network, regardless of usage.

SMETS1 / SMETS2 Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications - Two generations of smart meters. SMETS2 is the newer, more widely compatible version.

SPID Supply Point ID - Unique reference for water and wastewater services.

TPI Third Party Intermediary - Another term for an energy broker or consultant.

TNUoS Transmission Use of System charges - Charges for using the national electricity transmission network.

ToU Time-of-Use Tariff - Tariffs where prices vary by time of day (e.g. off-peak rates).

VOA Valuation Office Agency - Organisation that rates business properties for tax purposes (used in water charging).

WSP Water Supply Point - Identifies your water connection; part of SPID.

ZCS Zero Carbon Solution - Often used to describe services/products aimed at helping businesses achieve net-zero targets.