30-Second Overview
Supply Point Capacity (SPC) and Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC), also known as Annual Quantity (AQ), are two important measurements used to determine how Irish businesses are charged for natural gas.
- Supply Point Capacity (SPC) is the maximum daily quantity of gas allocated to your business, measured in kWh.
- Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC) is the amount of gas your business is expected to consume over 12 months, based on historical usage.
- Gas Networks Ireland sets and reviews these figures annually, with changes taking effect from 1 October.
- Your gas supplier uses SPC and EAC to determine your tariff classification and calculate applicable charges.
⚡ Not sure if your gas capacity charges are correct? Upload a recent gas bill using the link below, and our energy experts will review your tariff, capacity charges and potential savings. Fast, free and simple. 👇
How SPC and EAC Affect Your Business Gas Tariff
Your Supply Point Capacity (SPC) and Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC) are used to determine which business gas tariff category applies to your premises.
There are four main categories: Small Business User (SBU), Medium Business User (MBU), Fuel Variation Tariff (FVT) and Daily Metered (DM). Each has different consumption thresholds and charging structures.
For a full breakdown of eligibility criteria, unit rates and additional charges, read our Business Gas Tariffs – SBU, MBU and FVT Explained article.
What Is Gas Supply Point Capacity (SPC)?
Supply Point Capacity (SPC) is the maximum daily quantity of natural gas allocated to your business, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Gas Networks Ireland operates Ireland's natural gas network. Gas suppliers reserve capacity on the network to meet their customers' gas requirements, with SPC representing the daily capacity allocated to each premises.
Gas Networks Ireland charges suppliers for this reserved capacity, based on network tariffs approved by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). For businesses on MBU, FVT and Daily Metered tariffs, SPC affects capacity-related charges and can have a significant impact on annual gas costs.
Why SPC Matters
If your SPC is higher than your business requires, you could be paying more in capacity-related charges than necessary.
Gas Networks Ireland reviews SPC annually, with revised figures taking effect from 1 October. If you believe your SPC is incorrect, contact your gas supplier to request a review.
What Is Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC) or Annual Quantity (AQ)?
Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC), also known as Annual Quantity (AQ), is the estimated amount of natural gas your business will consume over 12 months, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Gas Networks Ireland calculates EAC using historical gas consumption data. For new connections where no consumption history exists, the estimate is based on the expected gas requirements of the premises.
This includes the types and number of gas appliances installed, such as boilers, cookers, fryers and heating systems, together with their expected operating hours.
Why EAC Matters
Your gas supplier uses EAC, together with Supply Point Capacity (SPC), to determine your business gas tariff category and applicable pricing structure.
Gas Networks Ireland reviews EAC annually, with revised figures taking effect from 1 October. If you believe your EAC is incorrect, contact your gas supplier to request a review.
How Can Utilityfair Help You Reduce Business Gas Costs?
Understanding your Supply Point Capacity (SPC) and Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC) is important, but securing the best available gas rates is what makes the biggest difference to your energy costs.
Utilityfair is Ireland's largest and most reviewed business energy broker, trusted by over 20,000 business customers nationwide. Our energy experts will review your current gas tariff and charges, compare prices across all suppliers and provide a side-by-side comparison of the best available options, completely free.
Whether you're a small business or a large gas user, we can help you reduce your gas costs and manage your contract renewal.
👉 Get Started Today!
Click the link to below fill out our enquiry form and upload a recent gas bill, or call 01 547 0999 to speak with a Utilityfair energy expert and start saving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Supply Point Capacity (SPC) is the maximum daily quantity of natural gas allocated to your business, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Gas suppliers reserve this capacity on the Gas Networks Ireland network to meet your business's gas requirements. SPC affects capacity-related charges for larger gas users, so an unnecessarily high SPC can increase your annual gas costs.
Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC), also known as Annual Quantity (AQ), is the estimated amount of natural gas your business will consume over 12 months, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Gas Networks Ireland calculates this figure using historical consumption data. For new connections, it is based on expected gas usage. Your gas supplier uses EAC, together with Supply Point Capacity (SPC), to determine your business gas tariff category and pricing structure.
Supply Point Capacity (SPC) affects the capacity-related charges paid by businesses on MBU, FVT and Daily Metered gas tariffs. These charges are based on the capacity allocated to your premises, rather than the amount of gas you actually consume. A higher SPC can increase your annual gas costs, even if your consumption remains unchanged. This makes it important that your allocated capacity reflects your business's gas requirements.
Gas Networks Ireland determines Supply Point Capacity (SPC) based on the gas capacity requirements of your premises, taking account of historical consumption and peak daily demand. For new connections, capacity requirements are estimated using the gas appliances installed and their expected usage. SPC is reviewed annually to reflect changes in your business's gas requirements.
Gas Networks Ireland reviews Supply Point Capacity (SPC) and Estimated Annual Consumption (EAC) annually, with revised figures taking effect from 1 October. The review takes account of historical gas consumption and capacity requirements. Your gas supplier will notify you of any changes to your SPC or EAC that affect your tariff or charges.
Utilityfair compares business gas prices across all suppliers to secure the best available rates for your business. Our energy experts review your current tariff, SPC and EAC, provide a free side-by-side price comparison and arrange your new contract. We also monitor your contract renewal date to help you avoid expensive out-of-contract rates. Our service is completely free and hassle-free.
