Data Collector

In the UK electricity system, a Data Collector (DC) is responsible for determining the electricity consumption of supplies.

Half-hourly Data Collector

For half-hourly metered supplies, the HHDC retrieves the energy consumption data from the meter and makes any necessary estimates. The HH data is a history of the supply's consumption for each half-hour.

Non-half-hourly Data Collector

For non-half-hourly metered supplies, the NHHDC determines the consumption by calculating the advance (the difference between the last two meter reads, this is annualised to produce an annual advance (AA), this being the data the Supplier will pay on).

The NHHDC is also responsible determining the Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC), which is a forecast for a year ahead. The EAC is initially provided by the customer, and thereafter based on actual meter readings.

Data from the DC (EAC/ AA's) go to the distribution networks to work how much Energy is needed to be produced. It is essential for this data to be as accurate as possible so the correct amount can be put onto the grid. The process is known as balancing and settlement and falls under the balancing and settlement code (BSC).

See also

* Meter Point Administration Number
* Electricity billing in the UK
* Electricity meter
* Meter operator

References

* cite web
first =
last =
authorlink = http://www.elexon.co.uk/
title = Simple Guide to Market Entry
url = http://www.elexon.co.uk/documents/Publications/Guidance_Notes/Simple_Guide_to_Market_Entry.pdf | accessdate = 2008-06-10

External links

* [http://www.siemensenergy.co.uk/pg.asp?p=datacollection Siemens] , a Data Collector
* [http://www.stark.co.uk/services/services_clarity.htm Stark] , a Data Collector