Energy Glossary
Business energy terms explained in plain English. No jargon.
CCL (Climate Change Levy)
A government tax on energy used by businesses, charged per kWh. Added to your bill to encourage energy efficiency. Currently around 0.775p/kWh for electricity.
Contract End Date
The date your current fixed-term energy deal expires. If you don't switch or renew before this date, you'll roll onto expensive out-of-contract rates.
Deemed Rate / Out-of-Contract Rate
The default tariff you're placed on if your fixed contract expires and you haven't renewed. Typically 40-60% more expensive than a negotiated deal. The single biggest reason hospitality businesses overpay.
Distribution Use of System (DUoS)
A charge for using the local electricity distribution network to get power to your premises. Usually included in your unit rate.
Energy Broker
A company (like us) that compares energy deals on behalf of businesses. A good broker saves you time and money by accessing wholesale markets and negotiating on your behalf.
Fixed Rate Tariff
An energy contract where the unit rate stays the same for the duration of the contract (usually 1-5 years). Provides price certainty and protection against rate increases.
Half-Hourly (HH) Meter
A meter that records your energy usage every 30 minutes. Required for businesses using more than 100,000 kWh/year. Allows for more detailed billing and time-of-use tariffs.
kVA (Kilovolt-Ampere)
A measure of apparent power. Your maximum demand charge is based on the highest kVA reading your meter records. Staggering equipment start-up can reduce this.
kWh (Kilowatt-Hour)
The standard unit of energy measurement. One kWh is using 1,000 watts for one hour. A typical commercial fryer uses about 15 kWh per day.
Micro-Business
A business with fewer than 10 employees and either annual turnover or balance sheet under €2 million. Micro-businesses have additional protections in energy contracts.
MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number)
Your unique 21-digit electricity meter reference number. Found on your bill or meter. Essential for getting accurate quotes.
MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number)
Your unique gas meter reference number. Found on your gas bill. Needed for gas supply quotes.
Non-Half-Hourly (NHH) Meter
A standard meter that records total usage between readings. Most small-to-medium hospitality businesses have NHH meters.
Rollover
When your supplier automatically puts you on a new contract (often at a higher rate) when your current one expires. Check your T&Cs for rollover clauses.
Standing Charge
A fixed daily charge for being connected to the energy supply, regardless of how much you use. Typically 25-60p per day for business premises.
Supplier
The company that sells you energy and bills you for it (e.g., British Gas, EDF, E.ON). Different from the distributor that physically delivers the energy.
TPI (Third Party Intermediary)
Another term for an energy broker or consultant. We're a TPI specialising in hospitality businesses.
Transmission Use of System (TNUoS)
A charge for using the national transmission network (the high-voltage 'motorway' that carries electricity across the country). Usually included in your unit rate.
Unit Rate
The price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy. The main variable component of your bill. Lower unit rates = lower bills. For hospitality businesses, electricity unit rates typically range from 25-35p/kWh.
Variable Rate Tariff
A tariff where the unit rate can change over time, usually tracking wholesale energy prices. Riskier than fixed but can be cheaper in a falling market.
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