Wiktor Wise
Triad refers to the three half-hour settlement periods between November and February with the highest system demand for electricity. The term comes from tri, referring to the three periods, and AD, which stands for average demand. Triad periods are important because they are used to calculate Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) charges for customers with half-hour metering. TNUoS charges can amount to thousands of pounds per year, so businesses have an incentive to avoid using large amounts of power during Triads.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Triad meaning | Three half-hour peak periods of national electricity demand |
| Triad time period | Between November and February |
| Triad time of day | Between 4 pm and 6 pm |
| Triad frequency | At least 10 days apart |
| Triad impact on charges | Used to calculate Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) charges |
| Triad charge applicability | Applicable to customers with half-hourly meters, typically medium or large industrial and commercial businesses |
| Triad avoidance | Possible through Triad alert services and reducing energy demand during predicted Triad periods |
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What You'll Learn
- Triad season is from November to February, with at least 10 days between Triads
- Triad periods are the three half-hour peaks of electricity demand
- Triad warnings help businesses reduce energy consumption and costs
- Triad avoidance can be achieved by predicting Triad periods and using electricity flexibly
- TNUoS charges are proportional to energy use during Triad periods
Triad season is from November to February, with at least 10 days between Triads
The Triad season refers to the period from November to February when energy consumption is at its peak. During this time, there are three half-hour periods of the highest electricity demand, known as Triads, which are used to determine the price of Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) charges for non-domestic consumers with half-hourly meters. The term "Triad" refers to the three periods of highest demand, with "tri" meaning three and "AD" standing for average demand. These Triads must be at least 10 days apart and typically occur between 5 pm and 6 pm, when both industrial and domestic consumption tends to peak.
The Triad season has a significant impact on energy costs for businesses, especially medium and large enterprises with half-hourly metering. By predicting Triad periods and implementing effective load management strategies, businesses can reduce their energy consumption during these peak times and lower their TNUoS charges for the upcoming financial year. This not only reduces costs but can also lead to additional savings by reducing other peak charges.
Energy managers play a crucial role in preparing for the Triad season. They can utilise services that provide Triad alerts and predictions to maximise the probability of accurately forecasting each Triad. This allows businesses to take proactive measures, such as reducing non-essential energy usage or switching to alternative energy sources like battery storage or generators.
While the specific dates of Triads can vary, historical data shows that they commonly occur on Mondays and Thursdays in December and January. Various factors influence peaks in National Grid demand during the Triad season, including air temperature, wind speeds, darkness, and consumer working patterns.
It's worth noting that the Triad system is undergoing changes. As of April 2022, OFGEM revised the structure of network charging under the Targeted Charging Review (TCR), and from April 2023, TNUoS charges will be set according to a site's charging band, based on Authorised Supply Capacity (kVA). These changes will impact the Triad model, and businesses should stay informed to effectively manage their energy costs.
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Triad periods are the three half-hour peaks of electricity demand
The term "triad" in electricity refers to the three half-hour peaks of electricity demand during the winter season, typically between November and February. These periods represent the highest electricity consumption, where industrial demand overlaps with residential demand.
Triad periods are significant because they are used to calculate transmission network use of system (TNUoS) charges for customers with half-hourly metering, which includes medium to large industrial and commercial businesses. The National Grid analyses electricity consumption data during these half-hour periods to determine the TNUoS charges for the entire financial year.
Businesses have a strong incentive to reduce their energy demand during Triad periods as it can result in substantial cost savings. By lowering their energy consumption during these peak periods, businesses can minimise their TNUoS charges, which are based on their proportional usage. Triad avoidance strategies can include shifting energy-intensive processes to off-peak times, utilising onsite generation, or even turning down power consumption when demand is high.
While Triad warnings were previously offered to help businesses manage their energy consumption, these alerts are no longer available. As a result, businesses must rely on their own predictions and flexible use of electric assets to avoid peak power prices during Triad periods.
It is worth noting that Triad periods typically occur during the coldest periods of winter, usually between 4 pm and 6 pm, when overall energy demand spikes. However, the exact timing of Triad periods can be challenging to predict, especially as more businesses actively try to avoid energy consumption during these times.
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Triad warnings help businesses reduce energy consumption and costs
Triad warnings are important for businesses to reduce their energy consumption and costs. Triads refer to three half-hour peak periods during the winter with the highest electricity demand. "Tri" refers to the three periods, while "AD" stands for average demand. These periods occur between November and February, with at least ten days between each Triad. They usually occur between 4 pm and 6 pm, when both industrial and domestic consumption is the highest.
For businesses that receive half-hourly electricity bills, Triad warnings are crucial. The Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) charge for the upcoming financial year is calculated based on the average consumption during these Triad periods. By reducing energy usage during Triads, businesses can lower their TNUoS payments for the entire next year. This is especially important for large electricity consumers, as transmission costs can be a significant expense.
To help businesses manage their energy costs, some energy providers offer Triad warning services. These services alert businesses before the three power demand peaks, allowing them to take measures to reduce their energy consumption. Businesses can also work with their energy suppliers or energy services and technology providers to participate in peak avoidance.
Additionally, businesses can consider manual or automated Triad avoidance strategies. Manual Triad avoidance involves taking action based on the warnings, such as turning off non-essential machinery or using on-site generation. Automated Triad avoidance, offered by some technology providers, ensures that Triads are never missed and can include load shifting or automation with generation/battery assets.
By treating every day like a Triad day, businesses can further optimise their energy usage. This includes reviewing their energy efficiency, carrying out energy audits, and considering budget certainty with fixed contracts. While Triad warnings are no longer available from some providers as of 1 April 2023, businesses can still explore other ways to manage their energy costs and reduce their energy consumption.
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Triad avoidance can be achieved by predicting Triad periods and using electricity flexibly
In the context of electricity, "Triad" refers to three half-hour periods of the year when electricity demand is at its highest. These typically occur during the winter months, from November to February, with each peak at least ten days apart. The "Tri" in Triad refers to these three periods, while "AD" stands for average demand.
Due to the extremely high costs of electricity during these peak periods, Triad avoidance is highly desirable for many organizations. Triad avoidance refers to the practice of reducing electricity consumption during these high-demand periods to minimize costs. This can be achieved through two main strategies: predicting Triad periods in advance and using electricity flexibly.
Predicting Triad periods involves utilizing various data points to anticipate when these high-demand periods will occur. This can include analyzing historical data, National Grid demand data, threshold patterns, weather conditions, and temperature forecasts. For example, a cold day with little wind is more likely to experience a Triad period than a milder day with higher wind speeds. By accurately predicting Triads, businesses can minimize the duration of reduced energy use, limiting potential disruptions to operations.
Using electricity flexibly is the second key strategy for Triad avoidance. This involves adjusting electricity consumption patterns to reduce demand during Triad periods. Some organizations may choose to temporarily decrease power consumption, while others may utilize alternative generation sources or batteries to avoid peak power prices. By combining these strategies, businesses can effectively avoid the high costs associated with Triad periods.
Additionally, working with energy services and technology providers, such as GridBeyond, can further enhance Triad avoidance capabilities. These providers offer warning systems and automation technologies that ensure Triad periods are never missed. By participating in peak avoidance programs, organizations can also explore revenue generation opportunities and reduce their overall energy costs.
In conclusion, Triad avoidance is a valuable strategy for organizations to optimize their energy costs and consumption. By predicting Triad periods and using electricity flexibly, businesses can significantly reduce their electricity bills and contribute to a more efficient electricity transmission system.
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TNUoS charges are proportional to energy use during Triad periods
TNUoS stands for Transmission Network Use of System. TNUoS charges are calculated based on a site's Triad demand. The Triad is the period of highest electricity demand during the winter months. The National Grid identifies three Triads each year, which are three half-hour periods of the highest electricity demand between November and February. These periods are when both industrial and domestic consumption peaks, usually between 4 pm and 6 pm. The three Triads are selected retrospectively in March, and they must be at least ten days apart.
TNUoS charges are calculated by taking the average demand during the three Triad periods and multiplying it by the tariff for the demand zone in which the supply is located. These charges are then billed to the customer by their electricity supplier, who passes the charges on to the National Grid. TNUoS charges are one of the components of business energy costs and can amount to thousands of pounds per year.
By reducing energy demand during Triad periods, businesses can significantly reduce their TNUoS charges and overall energy bills. Triad warning services help businesses identify when a Triad period is likely to occur, allowing them to plan their electricity usage and avoid high consumption during those times. This is known as 'Triad avoidance'.
Since April 1, 2023, TNUoS charges have been set according to a site's charging band, based on Authorised Supply Capacity (KVa) allocated by the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO). TNUoS charges are now included in the standing charge for many areas, resulting in nil Triad charges. Additionally, from April 2023, the Triads will be replaced by a system determined by Ofgem's Targeted Charging Review (TCR), with the largest component of TNUoS charges, the Transmission Demand Residual (TDR), being charged as a fixed amount per site per day.
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Frequently asked questions
Triad stands for the three half-hour peak periods of national electricity demand.
Triad periods determine a business's annual contribution to the electricity transmission system, which delivers power across the country. This incentivises organisations to avoid using electricity during Triad periods.
Triad alert services can help businesses identify when a Triad period is likely to occur. Businesses can also monitor their energy usage and shift the time of energy-intensive processes to lower Triad costs.
