This audio guide explores Half-Hourly (HH) meters and the upcoming Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) programme. Designed as a Bionic Guide in speaker mode, it provides a clear and structured overview for anyone interested in how energy data, settlement, and market innovation are evolving in the UK electricity sector.

Get the facts on half-hourly meters and Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) in this quick, jargon-free business energy Q&A from Bionic.

We’ll cover:
⚡ What half-hourly meters are and how they work
📊 Whether your business needs one
💡 How MHHS (Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement) will change UK energy billing between 2025–2027
🌍 Why it matters for net zero, accurate billing, and smarter energy use

Perfect for UK business owners who want to understand:

Half-hourly vs standard meters

MOP and data collection costs

Benefits like accurate bills, time-saving automation, and usage insights

How MHHS supports flexible tariffs and EV charging

🔎 Keywords: half-hourly meters, MHHS, Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement, business energy, smart meters, Ofgem, Bionic, UK business energy, energy billing, accurate bills, smart grid, net zero

🎧 Listen now to learn how these changes could impact your energy bills and your business.

Transcript
Q: What is a half-hourly meter? 
A: It’s a type of electricity meter that automatically sends your usage data to your supplier every 30 minutes. That means your bills are based on actual consumption, not estimates. 

Q: Does my business need one? 
A: If your peak demand is 100 kVA or more in any 30-minute period, you must have one by law. If your use is above 70 kVA, it’s optional but can still be beneficial. 

Q: What is Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS)? 
A: MHHS is a national programme led by Ofgem. From 2025 to 2027, all electricity usage will be settled using half-hourly data. This ensures accurate billing for everyone and supports a smarter energy grid. 

Q: Why is MHHS being rolled out? 
A: To make the UK’s energy system more accurate and cost-effective. It will help lower bills, enable flexible tariffs like EV charging or time-of-use pricing, improve demand forecasting, and support the move to net zero. 

Q: How are half-hourly meters different from standard meters? 
A: Standard meters usually require manual monthly readings. Half-hourly meters send automatic data every 30 minutes, saving time and cutting out estimation errors. 

Q: What are the main benefits? 
A: More accurate bills, no need for manual readings, detailed usage data to improve efficiency, and the possibility of cost savings over time. 

Q: Are there any drawbacks? 
A: They can come with higher standing charges and extra fees for Meter Operator (MOP) and Data Collection services. Switching suppliers may also be more complex. 

Q: Which types of businesses typically use them? 
A: Large energy users—factories, warehouses, distribution centres, and big retailers. 

Q: Can I use a prepayment setup with half-hourly metering? 
A: Generally no. These meters are designed for contract-based billing, not pay-as-you-go. But prepayment meters are included in the MHHS rollout. If you have a meter class 01 or 02 (domestic), 03 (which covers most small businesses) or 04 (non-domestic time of use), then you will qualify for half-hourly settlement under MHHS, even if you're on a prepayment meter.  Your energy supplier must ensure the PPM is a compatible smart meter in prepayment mode and that the data can be exchanged with MHHS systems. 

 

Q: How will this affect my bills? 
A: You’ll only pay for what you actually use. High-demand businesses might also unlock cheaper rates by negotiating based on detailed usage data.

Half-Hourly Meters & MHHS Explained – Quick Business Energy Q&A

Compare, switch, and renew business energy, insurance, phone, broadband, and more with Bionic. Our tech-enabled team will help you find the best deals for your business.

New tracks tagged ##MHHS #HalfHourlySettlement #HalfHourlyMeters #EnergyData #SmartMeters #EnergyTransition #AIForEnergy #AIExplainers #AudioGuide #SpeakerMode