Kilovolt Amperes (KVA)
Also known as Total Power. The resultant effect of the active (kW) and reactive (kVAr) power is the total power measured in kVa. Kva = kW/power factor.
Kilowatt (kW)
A standard unit of electrical power equal to 1,000 watts, or to energy consumption at a rate of 1,000 joules per second.
Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
A unit of energy consumption. A typical home uses around 3,300 kWh of electricity per annum.
Kyoto Agreement
An international Agreement signed by countries agreeing to limit or reduce their global emissions.
Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)
When natural gas is cooled to a temperature of approximatley -160 degrees at atmospheric pressure, it condenses to a liquid called Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). Natural gas is composed primarily of methane (typically at least 90%), but may also contain ethane, propane and heavier hydrocarbons.
Load
The amount of electric power delivered or required at any specific point or points on an electrical system. The requirement originates at the energy-consuming equipment of the customer.
Load Factor
Measures the relationship between unit consumption and maximum demand and is the percentage capacity utilisation figure of a site's power consumption. To calculate load factor take the total number of units of consumption, divide by the maximum demand, divide by the number of hours in the period, and multiply by 100.
Load Management
The process of shifting the use of electricity from periods of high demand to periods of lower demand, when the cost of electricity is usually lower.
LV
Low Voltage, normally at 240 or 415 Volts.
Managed Load
The fixed energy base load of the total curve. This can be purchased either all at once or step-by-step.
Maximum Demand
The highest average demand (in kW or kVA) occurring in a half hour period.
Megawatt (MW)
The equivalent to one thousand kilowatts (kW).
Meter Operator (MOP or MO)
The organisation appointed to install and maintain metering equipment.
Meter Point Reference Number
A unique reference number identifying each meter and used in the preparation of supply tenders.
MPAN Core
A 13-digit number (the bottom line of the Supply Number) made up of the: Distributor Identifier (first two digits), the company which provides the distribution network for the supply address. Meter Point unique reference (11-digit number), which is linked to the supply address.
MPRS
The Meter Point Registration System is owned by the distribution companies. It contains all the MPAN’s for that distribution area.
Net Capacity
The maximum load that a generating unit, station or other electrical apparatus can carry under specified conditions for a given period of time without exceeding approved limits of temperature.
NETA - New Electricity Trading Arrangements
This came into force on the 27th March 2001 and replaced the old ‘electricity pool’. NETA is a new wholesale market, comprising trading between generators and suppliers of electricity in England and Wales. Under NETA, bulk electricity will be traded forward through bi-lateral contracts and on one or more power exchanges. Those trading will include generators, suppliers, traders and customers.
NGC
National Grid Company, the company which runs the England and Wales Balancing Mechanism and transmission system.
NHH
Non Half hourly sites – sites that take a power supply less than 100kW.
OFGEM
Office of Gas and Electricity Markets.