biomass
Biomass is a carbon neutral and renewable form of energy that comes from the burning of dead plant and animal matter.
electricity distributors
Electricity distributors are responsible for ensuring that power is supplied continuously to your home. If there is an emergency, an interruption to power or an electrical fault it is the electricity distributor's responsibility to fix it.
electricity meter
An electricity meter measures how many kilowatt hours of power are used at your home. Individuals can calculate how much energy they use in a set period of time by comparing the starting and ending readings.
electricity suppliers
Electricity suppliers purchase wholesale power from the electricity grid and on-sell it to consumers and businesses. They are responsible for reading the meter and billing customers.
fossil fuels
Fossil fuels are non-renewable sources such as coal that are used to generate electricity and supply gas.
gas distributors
Gas distributors are responsible for ensuring that gas is supplied continuously to your home.
gas suppliers
Gas suppliers purchase wholesale natural gas and on-sell it to consumers and businesses. They are responsible for reading the meter and billing customers.
MIRN
MIRN is your Meter Installation Reference Number. This is a unique number used by gas suppliers to identify your individual gas meter.
national electricity market
The NEM is a wholesale market of six Australian jurisdictions in the country's east and south; comprising Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. The NEM comprises of 260 registered generators, six state-based transmission networks and 13 major distribution networks.
NMI
NMI is your National Meter Identifier. This is a unique number used by electricity suppliers to identify your individual electricity meter.
off-peak electricity
A particular time of the day or week where the demand for electricity is low - usually off-peak means outside business hours. The price for electricity is generally cheaper during off-peak times.
peak electricity
A particular time of the day or week where the demand for electricity is high - usually peak means during business hours. The price for electricity is generally more expensive during peak times.
renewable energy
Renewable energy is energy that is generated from natural resources that cannot be exhausted, such as the sun, wind and water.
smart meter
A smart meter provides a digital reading of electricity usage by time of day. Smart meters are being trialled in several States; when they are installed in your home they will enable you to better manage your electricity usage. It will also enable electricity companies to offer better pricing to consumers who are able to use less electricity during peak times.