We bring you news and stories in clear English to help you understand the world and improve your English. I’m Maya. Omar is our columnist for the economy and work. Welcome.
Transcript
Vocabulary in this episode
- smart-meter data network
Control of Great Britain’s smart-meter data network has passed to a non-profit startup.
A system that carries information from smart energy meters to energy companies.
- smart-meter data network
So the change is about who runs the smart-meter data network.
The system that carries information from smart energy meters to energy companies.
- subsidiary
Smart DCC, a subsidiary of Capita, has reached the end of its 13-year licence to run it.
A company that is owned or controlled by another company.
- licence
Smart DCC, a subsidiary of Capita, has reached the end of its 13-year licence to run it.
Official permission to run the network for a set period.
- licence
The Guardian reports that the network faced costly delays during Smart DCC’s 13-year licence.
The period when Smart DCC had official permission to run the network.
- wholly owned
The network is becoming a wholly owned part of the Smart Energy Code Company, or SECCo.
Completely owned by the Smart Energy Code Company.
- public-interest model
It is a non-profit body under a public-interest model, with an independent board.
A way of organizing the service to serve the public rather than make profit.
- public-interest model
The article says officials replaced the commercial model set up in 2013 with a not-for-profit public-interest model.
A way of running the service to serve the public rather than make profit.
- independent board
It is a non-profit body under a public-interest model, with an independent board.
A group that oversees the organization and is not controlled by another company.
- transparency
The new operator says it will give more attention to costs, transparency, and the needs of customers and consumers.
The quality of being open and clear about how things are done.
- transparency
The new operator has stated its priorities: cost, transparency, and customer needs.
Being open and clear about how things are done.
- transparency
The new operator says it will focus on cost, transparency, and customer needs.
Being open and clear about how things are done.
- tender process
The new operator was chosen through a tender process last summer.
A formal process where organizations offer to do a job, and one is selected.
- resilient
Capita says it is handing over a secure and resilient network.
Able to continue working well despite problems or difficulties.