Forest Row Energy Co-operative

Energy jargon, explained

The acronyms, in plain English

Energy is full of initials. Here is what the common ones actually mean.

PV
Photovoltaic, the solar panels that turn daylight into electricity.
kW and kWh
A kW is a rate of power. A kWh is a unit of energy, what your bill charges for. A 1kW appliance on for one hour uses 1kWh.
ASHP
Air source heat pump, a very efficient electric heating system that draws warmth from the outside air.
FIT
Feed-in Tariff, the older scheme that paid people for generating renewable electricity. Closed to new entrants in 2019.
SEG
Smart Export Guarantee, the current scheme that pays you for the electricity you export to the grid.
MCS
Microgeneration Certification Scheme, the quality mark installers need for you to access grants and export payments.
EPC
Energy Performance Certificate, the A to G rating of a home's energy efficiency.
BUS
Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the government grant, currently up to 9,000 pounds, towards a heat pump.
DNO
Distribution Network Operator, the company that runs the local electricity network. Ours is UK Power Networks.
EV
Electric vehicle.

Still unsure?

There are no silly questions. Just ask us.

Ask us anything