Connections Glossary

Terminology & Description

Active Network Management (ANM)

The use of IT, automation and control to manage grid constraints associated with the integration of decentralised generation.

Availability Rate

This defines the maximum number of hours that we may seek flexible services from the provider. 

Availability Window

This defines the likely time periods when we expect to seek flexible services support from the provider

Budget quote

This is a simple desktop study providing an indication of the charge as a budget estimate. This is not a formal connection offer and you will not be able to accept this as an official quotation. It serves as a guide to allow developers to asses feasibility of projects.

Community and Local Energy

Local energy encompasses community energy projects and also includes activities by a wider set of local partners such as local authorities, housing associations, intermediary or advisory organisations and local businesses. 

Decarbonisation

Decarbonisation of the whole energy system includes removing emissions from transport and heat which will be powered by alternative low-carbon methods. In relation to electricity this means the reduction of emission caused by the generation,transmission and distribution of electricity and the provision of entirely carbon-free electricity for homes and businesses.

Demand side response (DSR)

A direct response to a specific signal or request to reduce (or occasionally increase) energy demand/consumption.

Distributed Energy Resource (DER)

Resources like generators, consumers, and electricity storage connected to the distribution network.

Distributed Generation (DG)

Embedded generation and distribution connected generation; these are generators connected to the distribution system, rather than the transmission system.

Distribution Network Operator

(DNO)

The owner and operator of a distribution network licensed by the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority

Energy Networks Association (ENA)

The Energy Networks Association is the industry body funded by UK gas and electricity transmission and distribution licence holders.

Feeding Area

The geographic area that is supplied electricity by the cables and/or overhead lines connected to the local substation

FES – Future Energy Scenarios

The ESO scenarios outline four different credible pathways for the future of energy for the next 30 years and beyond, considering energy demand and supply on a whole-system basis. The scenarios consider how much energy we might need, where it could come from and what the changes might mean for the industry, customers and consumers

Flexible Energy Market

Modifying generation and/or consumption patterns in reaction to an external signal (such as a change in price) to provide a service within the energy system

Flexibility

The ability to increase or reduce the production or consumption of energy at a given or requested time in order to support the wider electricity network and optimise capacity available for customers

Flexible Connection

A flexible connection is defined as one that has constraints associated with the terms of connection. These constraints may relate to time limits or system abnormalities. Flexible connections can offer an enduring solution for accommodating a new connection without the need to reinforce our network, but they can also be used temporarily whilst awaiting the completion of the network changes necessary to allow unconstrained operation.

Flexible Services

The provision of a change in import and/or export when instructed. This is also sometimes referred to as demand side response

Flexible Resource

Resources like generators, consumers, and Electricity storage connected to the distribution network

Flexible Service Supplier

The company providing the Flexible Service

Formal Quote 

This is a full desktop study providing an actual indication of the charge associated with connecting your scheme. This is a formal connection offer and you will be able to accept this as an official quotation

GEN+

Gen+ will give you an indication of the installation cost and the point of connection within 30 working days. This is a type of connection quotation.

Ground Mounted Transformer

Ground-mounted distribution transformers are used to step down three-phase high voltage to low voltage for energy distribution, mainly in metropolitan areas and for industrial applications. In standard versions they are three-phase hermetically sealed, free breathing with/without conservator type, and can be installed both outdoor and indoor.

Guaranteed Standards of Performance (GSoP)

The standards we apply cover how we respond to and deal with power cuts, and the service we provide to people wanting to connect to the network. These standards are independently set and judged by our regulator, Ofgem

High Voltage (HV) 

The voltages of 6.6kV or 11kV in Electricity North West’s distribution network

 Heat Pumps

Devices that extract heat from one source and transfer it to another at a much higher temperature. Used to heat (and cool) buildings, swimming pools etc

HV Network

High Voltage more than 1,000 volts 

Low Voltage (LV) 

The voltages of 400V / 230V in Electricity North West’s distribution network

Low Carbon Technologies (LCTs)

Technologies that have the ability to reduce carbon dioxide emissions traditionally associated with energy consumption (e.g. electric vehicles, electric heat pumps, solar panels)

Link Box

A cable earthing connection (link box) is a critical part of the Low-voltage underground cable network. A link box provides a sealed, waterproof enclosure for bonding cable earths at the weakest point in the network system. For example, cable joints and terminations.

LV Network

Low voltage network less than 1,000 volts

Net Zero 

Legally binding greenhouse gas emissions target which requires UK to reduce nearly all of its emissions by 2050 (compared to 1990 levels), introduced on 27 June 2019 as result of amendment to the Climate Change Act 2008

RIIO

Revenue = Incentives + Innovation + Output

RIIO ED2

The next price control period which will run from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2028 – Regulatory period set by Ofgem, 2023–2028

Smart Grid 

an electricity supply network that uses digital communications technology to detect and react to local changes in usage.

Utilisation Rate

This defines the maximum number of hours that we expect to seek flexible services from the provider