We know energy and heating terms can sometimes feel confusing, especially when you’re reading bills or trying to understand how your development’s system works.
This glossary explains some of the most common words and phrases you may come across when managing your account with Data Energy. We’ve kept the explanations simple, clear and easy to follow, so you can feel more confident about your energy services and charges.
Actual meter readings
These are readings based on the energy you have actually used.
In most homes, readings are sent to us automatically from your meter. You can also provide a reading yourself if needed.
Admin charge
This is a charge on your bill that helps cover the cost of metering, billing and account services provided by Data Energy.
Building Owner
The person or company that owns your development.
This may also be called the Freeholder or the Heat Supplier
Bypass consumption
A small amount of heat is constantly circulated through the system so you can access heating and hot water quickly when needed.
This is sometimes called a “keep warm function”.
Catch-up bill
A bill covering a longer period than normal after billing has been temporarily paused and later restarted.
Communal heat network
A shared heating system supplying a single building.
This is an alternative to individual gas boilers in each apartment.
Consumption
This means the amount of energy or water you use.
Energy use is usually measured in:
- kWh (kilowatt hours) for energy
- m³ (cubic metres) for water
Your consumption is what appears on your bill.
Credit / credit notes
If charges on your account are corrected or rebilled, a credit note may be added to cancel the original charges.
You may also see credit on your account if:
- You have overpaid
- A manual adjustment has been applied
Any remaining credit will normally stay on your account and be used against future bills.
You can view credited invoices on your Customer Portal account.
Customer Portal
Your online Data Energy account.
You can use it to:
- View bills
- Track energy use
- Make payments
- Update account details
- Monitor your account balance
Data collection
This refers to Data Energy collecting information from your meter so we can calculate how much energy has been used and produce your bill.
District heat network
A shared heating system supplying two or more buildings.
District supply scheme
A wider utility system supplying services such as:
- Heating
- Cooling
- Electricity
- Hot and cold water
- Gas
to residents across one or more buildings.
Efficiency
Efficiency describes how well a heating system performs.
For example, a system that delivers heat quickly whilst minimising heat loss would be considered efficient.
All heat networks lose some energy during generation and distribution. The aim is to keep these losses as low as possible.
Things that can affect efficiency include:
- Building design
- Pipe insulation
- Outside temperatures
- Occupancy levels
- System settings
- Maintenance quality
- Installation quality
Estimated meter readings
These are used when actual meter data is temporarily unavailable.
We estimate usage based on your previous consumption, or similar properties if no history is available
Once actual readings become available, your account may be adjusted.
Freeholder
The person or company that owns the development.
This may also be called the:
- Building Owner
- Heat Supplier
Heat Interface Unit (HIU)
Usually found in your utility cupboard, an HIU transfers heat from the building’s main heating system into your home.
It also contains the heat meter that records your energy use.
Heat network
A shared heating system supplying more than one property.
This may also be known as:
- Communal heating
- District heating
Heat Supplier
The organisation or owner ultimately responsible for the heat network serving your building.
Also known as the:
- Building Owner
- Freeholder
Help Centre
Our online support area within the Residents Hub.
You can read FAQs, submit queries, start a live chat, find helpful guides and documents
Housing Association
A non-profit organisation providing homes for people on lower incomes or with specific housing needs.
Keep warm function
A small amount of heat constantly moves through the system so hot water is available more quickly when needed.
Also known as bypass consumption.
Lessee / Leaseholder
The person who owns the lease for an apartment.
The leaseholder owns the apartment lease, whilst the Freeholder owns the building itself.
Letting Agent
A company or individual managing the rental of a property on behalf of the leaseholder.
Managing Agent
A company appointed by the Building Owner to manage the day-to-day running of the development.
Meter
A device used to measure energy or water usage.
Meter Serial Number (MSN)
A unique number used to identify your meter.
Meter reading
A reading showing how much energy or water has been used.
Most readings are sent automatically from the meter, but you can also provide readings manually.
Occupier
The person living in the apartment.
If a property is rented out, the tenant may be added to the account as the occupier for billing purposes.
Ofgem
The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets.
Ofgem is becoming the regulator for heat networks and will help protect customer rights.
Pay-as-you-go (PAYG)
A payment method where customers add credit before using energy.
This works similarly to a pay-as-you-go mobile phone.
PayPoint
A payment service allowing bills to be paid online or in local shops.
Your PayPoint details can be found on your invoice.
Primary circuit
The main heating pipe network serving your building.
Priority Services Register
Some Managing Agents or Housing Associations keep a register of residents who may need extra support with their energy services.
Quarantine
When a meter is in quarantine, billing is temporarily paused due to an issue such as:
- Missing data
- Incorrect readings
- Meter faults
More information can be found in our Help Centre.
Residents Hub
The resident area of the Data Energy website.
Here you can:
- Access the Help Centre
- Browse guides and leaflets
- Submit forms
- Contact our Customer Care team
Secondary circuit
The pipe network within your home.
Heat moves from the building’s main system into your apartment through this network.
Space heating
Heating used to warm your home, such as radiators and underfloor heating
This is separate from hot water heating.
Standing charge
A fixed daily charge covering the ongoing costs of operating and maintaining the communal heating system.
Sub-tenant
A tenant renting a property from the leaseholder.
Sub-tenants can be added to an account to pay for the energy they use.
Supply Suspension Procedure (SSP)
A process where energy supply may be suspended after repeated non-payment and multiple payment reminders.
We’ll always try to contact residents first and explain the next steps.
Tariff
The pricing structure for your utility supply.
A tariff is usually made up of:
- A unit rate based on usage
- Fixed charges such as standing charges or admin charges
Thermostat
A device used to control the temperature in your home.
For efficient heating, we generally recommend settings between 20°C and 21°C.
Unit rate (variable charge)
The part of your tariff based on how much energy you use.
Your consumption in kWh is multiplied by the unit rate to calculate this part of your bill.