Understand the terms.
Ask better questions.
A short guide to the information behind a network adoption assessment.
HV / high voltage
The voltage category of an electrical supply or network. A large building or high electricity consumption alone does not establish it.
MPAN / Supply Number
The Meter Point Administration Number identifies a supply point. Its 13-digit core appears in the bottom row of the S-number box on a bill.
LLFC
Line Loss Factor Class. A code used to identify the loss factors and distribution charging tariff for a supply. It must be read alongside the distributor’s data for the relevant period. A missing or ambiguous code needs review.
DNO / IDNO
Distribution network operators (DNOs) and independent distribution network operators (IDNOs) are licensed and regulated by Ofgem to own and operate electricity distribution networks.
Network charges
Charges associated with using electricity networks, distinct from the electricity commodity cost. A proposal needs a like-for-like comparison of the applicable charges.
Adoption / acquisition
A potential transfer of agreed qualifying network assets to an adopting operator, on specified technical, commercial and legal terms.
Ownership boundary
The point at which ownership changes between the network operator, site owner or another party. A single-line diagram and ownership records help establish it.
kVA and kWh
kVA describes apparent power or capacity; kWh measures energy consumed over time. Transformer rating and agreed import capacity are different measures and must be kept separate.
Do you own your HV infrastructure?
Owning HV infrastructure can leave your organisation responsible for engineering, repair and replacement costs. You may already have maintenance contracts covering some of this equipment.
These maintenance contracts can be useful clues, but maintenance responsibility alone does not prove ownership. Planning drawings may show proposed equipment rather than what is installed today.
Prepare for a practical first discussion
- A recent electricity bill showing the full S-number.
- 12 months of consumption and agreed capacity.
- Who owns the transformers, switchgear and private cables.
- Maintenance arrangements and planned replacements.
- Operational, resilience and access requirements.