Energy terms explained

The process of splitting customers, or potential customers, in a market into different groups, or segments.

The proportion of total customers (usually as proxied by the number of meter points) within a market that are registered to a particular supply group.

A consumer who annually uses 3.300 kWh of electricity and/or 16.500 kWh of gas.

A megawatt hour. Equal to 1000 kWh.

An MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) is the number that identifies your electricity supply. The MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) is the same thing, but for your gas supply. These numbers allow energy companies to identify your home. You’ll find them on your energy bill or you can contact your local network operator to find out.

A meter reading based on the actual amount of energy you’ve used.

Your business is classed as a 'microbusiness' if it either:

• has fewer than 10 employees (or their full-time equivalent) and the yearly turnover, or yearly balance sheet, is not more than €2 million.
• uses less than 100,000 kWh of electricity a year
• uses less than 293,000 kWh of gas a year

An amendment to the terms and/or conditions (including price, but excluding contract duration) of a consumer’s energy supply contract, mutually agreed between the supplier and the consumer. The consumer would not be obliged to accept the proposed variation. The variation can only be binding following express agreement from the consumer.