Capacitors – Passive electronic components which can store an electrical charge.
Distribution – The transfer of electricity from the national transmission system, through the regional networks and into individual homes and businesses.
Distribution system – The whole of our interconnected electricity distribution equipment, including cables, overhead lines and substations.
Distribution Network Operator (DNO) – A company who is responsible for maintaining and operating the regional networks, which transfer electricity from the national transmission system into consumers’ homes and businesses.
Distribution Use of System (DUoS) charge – A charge included in a customer’s electricity bill to cover the cost of supplying their electricity through their DNO’s regional network.
Electricity supplier – A company licensed to supply electricity, such as E.ON, npower and British Gas.
High Voltage (HV) – A voltage between 1,000 volts and 22,000 volts.
Losses – Energy lost in the transfer of electricity.
Low Voltage (LV) – A voltage of 230V.
Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) – The maximum demand for a site which a Distribution Network Operator (DNO) has agreed to supply.
National Grid – Operates the high-voltage electricity transmission network across Great Britain and owns the network in England and Wales.
Network – Interconnected cables, lines, substations and other equipment used for transporting electricity.
Ofgem (Office of the Gas and Electricity Markets) – The energy industry’s regulator, responsible for protecting the interests of gas and electricity customers in the UK.
Power factor – A measure of the efficiency of electrical power being consumed at a site.
Transmission – Transfer of electricity through wires, at high voltage, from power stations to the distribution system.
Transmission Network Use of System - (TNUoS) charge – A charge included in a customer’s electricity bill. It covers the cost of supplying their electricity through the high voltage national transmission system.
Use of System charge – the DUoS and TNUoS charges combined on a customer’s bill.