Glossary

A

Account Number
A unique 10-digit identifier assigned to each service location that helps track billing and usage history.
Actual Read
A meter reading obtained directly from the physical meter or smart meter system showing the exact amount of electricity consumed.
Auto-Pay
An automatic payment method where the customer's bill amount is automatically deducted from their bank account or charged to their credit card on the due date.

B

Billing Address
The mailing address where paper billing statements are sent; may differ from the service address.
Billing Cycle
The period of time (typically 28-32 days) between billing statements; represents the usage period covered by each bill.
Billing Period
The specific start and end dates shown on a bill indicating when electricity usage was measured and charged.
Budget Billing
A payment option that averages annual electricity costs into equal monthly payments to avoid seasonal fluctuations.

C

Credit
A negative charge or refund applied to a customer's account that reduces the amount owed.
Cycle Date
The date when a customer's bill is generated; varies by customer and determines their regular billing schedule.

D

Delivery Charge
A per-kilowatt-hour fee that covers the cost of transmitting electricity from power plants through the grid to the customer's location.
Disconnection
Termination of electrical service to a property due to non-payment or at customer request.
Dispute
A formal challenge by a customer claiming that charges on their bill are incorrect and requesting investigation or adjustment.
Due Date
The date by which payment must be received to avoid late fees; typically 21 days after the bill is generated.

E

Energy Charge
The cost of electricity consumed calculated by multiplying kilowatt-hours used by the applicable rate.
Estimated Read
A meter reading calculated based on historical usage patterns when an actual reading cannot be obtained.

F

Final Bill
The last bill issued for a service address when service is disconnected or transferred to a new customer.

G

Goodwill Credit
A courtesy adjustment applied to a customer's account as a gesture of goodwill even when charges are technically correct.

K

kWh
Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)
The unit of measurement for electricity consumption; one kilowatt-hour equals using 1000 watts of power for one hour.

L

Late Fee
A penalty charge (typically $5) applied when payment is not received by the due date.

M

Meter
A device installed at a property that measures electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours.
Meter Reading
The numerical value displayed on an electricity meter at a specific point in time.
MPAN
MPAN

A unique 13-digit reference that identifies each electricity supply point

MPRN
MPRN

A unique 11-digit reference that identifies each electricity supply point.

O

Off-Peak Rate
A lower electricity rate charged during times of lower demand such as nights and weekends.

P

Paperless Billing
A billing option where customers receive email notifications instead of paper statements and can access bills online.
Past Due
An unpaid balance from a previous billing period that remains outstanding beyond the due date.
Payment Arrangement
Payment Plan
An agreement that allows customers to pay their past due balance in installments over time while keeping service active.
Peak Rate
A higher electricity rate charged during periods of high demand typically weekdays from 2-7 PM.

Q

Quarterly Billing
A billing option where eligible customers receive bills every three months instead of monthly consolidating usage and charges.

R

Rate
The price per kilowatt-hour charged for electricity consumption.
Reconnection Fee
A charge (typically $45) applied when electrical service is restored after disconnection for non-payment.
Returned Payment Fee
A charge (typically $25) applied when a payment is rejected by the bank due to insufficient funds or other reasons.

S

Service Address
The physical location where electricity is provided; may differ from the billing address.
Service Charge
A fixed monthly fee ($12) charged to all customers that covers account maintenance meter reading and customer service operations.
Smart Meter
An advanced digital meter that automatically transmits usage data remotely and provides detailed consumption information.

T

Tariff
The rate structure and terms of service approved by regulators that determine how customers are charged for electricity.
Tax
Federal state or local government charges applied to electricity bills as required by law.
Time-of-Use Billing
TOU Billing
A rate structure where electricity prices vary based on the time of day and day of week when energy is consumed.

U

Usage
The amount of electricity consumed during a billing period measured in kilowatt-hours.
Usage History
A record showing electricity consumption over multiple billing periods used to identify patterns and seasonal trends.