Glossary of Terms

Advantage Utilities

AAHEDC (Assistance for Areas with High Energy Distribution Costs)
The AAHEDC charge helps fund the cost of supplying electricity to remote areas, such as northern Scotland. Often referred to as the "Hydro Benefit Replacement Scheme," it was established under the Energy Act 2004 and is billed at standard rates.

Account Management Fee
This fee covers administrative aspects, like billing and account oversight, managed by the energy supplier. It is set at the contract’s inception and remains fixed for the contract term.

Anthropogenic Removals
This term refers to the process of removing greenhouse gases (GHG) from the atmosphere through human-driven efforts.

AMR (Automated Meter Reading)
Automated Meter Reading technology enables automatic data collection for energy usage and diagnostics, eliminating the need for manual meter readings.

AQ (Annual Quantity)
Refers to the anticipated annual gas consumption for a specific site.

ASC (Agreed Supply Capacity)
The predetermined level of electrical supply that a Distribution Network Operator (DNO) must consistently provide to a location.

Baseload
The minimum consistent level of energy demand required by the grid at any given time or by a particular consumer base.

Bearish
When the energy market is expected to trend downward, potentially resulting in lower energy prices.

BEMS (Building Energy Management System)
A system that integrates controls, software, and technology to improve a building’s energy efficiency.

Big Six
Refers to the UK’s six largest energy suppliers, including British Gas, Octopus Energy, E.ON Next, OVO, EDF Energy, and Scottish Power.

Biofuel
Fuel made from organic materials, such as plants. Common examples include ethanol and biodiesel.

Biomass
Renewable energy produced from organic resources like wood, waste, and agricultural residues.

BM (Balancing Mechanism)
A process the Electricity System Operator (ESO) uses to manage the balance of electricity supply and demand across the grid.

BMS (Building Management Systems)
Systems used to monitor, control, and optimise building operations, such as lighting, HVAC, fire safety, and energy.

BSUoS (Balancing Service Use of System)
Charges incurred by the National Grid to ensure the transmission network’s balance and stability, recovered through fees from generators and suppliers.

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)
An environmental assessment method for buildings, covering design, carbon impact, and social responsibility. Ratings range from "Acceptable" to "Outstanding."

Bullish
Indicates an upward trend in energy prices with expectations of continued increases.

Capacity Charge
A charge applied for the Agreed Supply Capacity (ASC) for electricity or Supply Offtake Quantity (SOQ) for gas, relevant to Half Hourly Meters only.

Cap-and-trade
A government-regulated system that sets limits on emissions, notably CO2, often involving trading emissions allowances.

Carbon Budget
The allowable amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted over a specified timeframe.

Carbon Credits
Credits awarded to businesses for funding projects that reduce or remove CO2 emissions, typically equating to one metric tonne of CO2 reduction.

Carbon Offsetting
A process where organisations fund projects to counterbalance their CO2 emissions.

CCA (Climate Change Agreement)
Voluntary agreements in high-energy sectors to reduce contributions to the Climate Change Levy (CCL).

CCL (Climate Change Levy)
A tax aimed at encouraging energy efficiency and reducing emissions from non-domestic energy usage.

CCUS/CCS (Carbon Capture, Usage, and Storage)
A process that captures CO2 emissions before they enter the atmosphere and isolates them in deep storage locations.

CfD (Contracts for Difference)
A long-term contract between an electricity producer and the Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC), providing stable revenues at a predetermined rate.

CfD Interim Rate Levy & Operational Levy
Fees to support low-carbon generation projects and cover operational costs of the scheme.

CHP (Combined Heat and Power)
An energy-efficient technology that captures waste heat from energy production and uses it to provide heating.

CM (Capacity Market)
A programme that provides payments to reliable capacity sources to secure energy supply.

CM Levy
A charge that supports capacity providers, allowing them to ensure energy availability when needed.

Commodity Charge
The variable cost for energy consumption, influenced by market trades and conditions.

Consultancy Fee
An agreed fee for energy consultancy services, usually fixed for the contract period.

Contango
Describes a market condition where future energy prices exceed the current spot price.

Data Collection and Aggregation Charges
Fees related to the collection and aggregation of metering data, essential for energy supply management.

DEC (Display Energy Certificate)
Required for public buildings over 250m², this certificate publicly displays a building’s energy performance.

Deemed Contract
An automatic, rolling contract applied when a consumer uses energy without a formal agreement.

Decarbonisation
The reduction or elimination of carbon emissions in energy production and consumption.

DESNZ (Department for Energy Strategy and Net Zero)
A government body focused on energy security, net zero targets, and sustainable economic growth.

Energy Budget Optimisation
A service designed to help businesses better predict and manage their annual energy budgets, balancing cost savings with strategic procurement.

Flexible Contracting
An approach to energy procurement where clients can benefit from market fluctuations, adapting their purchasing to secure advantageous rates over time, often ideal for larger energy consumers.

Carbon Accounting
The process of calculating and reporting carbon emissions, allowing businesses to track their impact and progress towards sustainability goals, crucial for aligning with net zero strategies.

Onsite Generation Solutions
Enabling clients to produce energy on-site, often through renewable methods such as solar or wind, reducing dependency on external suppliers and lowering carbon footprints.

Green Gas Support Scheme (GGSS)
A government initiative that incentivises green gas production, funded through a levy on suppliers to promote renewable gas generation.

Energy Performance Optimisation
Strategies and technologies, including smart metering and monitoring, that help businesses improve energy efficiency and reduce waste, leading to cost savings and lower environmental impact.

Energy Benchmarking
Comparing energy consumption against similar facilities or industry standards to identify improvement opportunities, often part of a broader energy audit service.

EV (Electric Vehicle) Infrastructure Planning
Providing businesses with tailored EV charging solutions to support electric vehicle adoption, including installation and management of charging stations.

Energy Procurement Strategy
A comprehensive approach that evaluates market trends, consumption patterns, and risk management to optimise energy purchasing decisions.

Utility Bureau Services
End-to-end management of utility bills, data analysis, and reporting, ensuring accuracy in billing and efficient cost tracking.

Scope Emissions Reporting
Comprehensive tracking of direct and indirect emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3) to help businesses understand and reduce their total environmental impact.

Market Insights & Reporting
Regular updates on market trends, pricing forecasts, and regulatory changes that impact energy purchasing decisions, helping clients make informed choices.

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