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

Discover how Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) is transforming energy billing in the UK!

In this easy-to-follow audio guide, we explain how MHHS works, why it matters for business and home energy customers, and how you can benefit from smarter, more accurate bills. Whether you’re a business owner, household bill payer, or just curious about changes to the UK’s electricity market, this guide gives you clear answers to common questions.

Transcript:
Q: What is market-wide half-hourly settlement, or MHHS?
A: Market-wide half-hourly settlement means every electricity meter in homes and businesses across the UK will be settled and charged based on actual electricity use every 30 minutes. Instead of relying on estimates or manual readings, bills will now use regular half-hourly data, thanks to new technology led by Ofgem, the energy regulator.

Q: Why was MHHS introduced?
A: MHHS was created to make energy bills more accurate, encourage smarter ways to manage electricity use, and to support the move towards a low-carbon energy system. It’s all part of modernising the UK’s energy market for the future.

Q: When will MHHS rollout be complete?
A: The rollout started in September 2025. By May 2027, all meters—whether in business premises or homes—should be using half-hourly settlement. Older meters will be upgraded to smart meters where possible.

Q: Do I need a smart meter for MHHS?
A: While having a smart meter is recommended, you don’t absolutely need one. Even without a smart meter, you’ll be switched to half-hourly settlement based on your annual electricity use and type of property.

Q: How does MHHS affect energy bills?
A: MHHS means bills will closely match your real electricity use, not rough estimates. Every 30 minutes counts, so you get smarter, more accurate bills for your business or home.

Q: Will MHHS create new types of tariffs?
A: Yes, MHHS will let suppliers offer new time-of-use tariffs. These allow you to save money by using electricity during cheaper periods or shifting your usage away from expensive peak times. If your business has flexible usage or shifts, you could benefit even more.

Q: What changes will I see on my contract and bills?
A: You’ll notice new terms and codes, especially on your Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN). Fields related to how your energy is measured and charged may change to match the new system. This applies to both business and home contracts.

Q: What should I do next as a business or home energy customer?
A: Check if you’ve got a smart meter—if not, ask your supplier about upgrading. Review your tariffs, and see if time-of-use deals or new contract options could save you money. For businesses, stay in contact with your broker or supplier for updates.

Q: What benefits does MHHS bring for consumers?
A: With MHHS, you get:

Smarter billing that matches your real energy use

More choice of tariffs, including deals for using energy at certain times

More control and better information, helping you save energy and money

Simpler, clearer contracts and bills

Q: What’s the best way to prepare for MHHS?
A: Make sure your meter is up-to-date, preferably with a smart meter. Stay informed about tariff options and keep communication open with your energy supplier or business broker.

Market-wide half-hourly settlement is a major upgrade for the UK energy market. It brings smarter, fairer, and clearer energy bills for everyone, plus the chance to save with new tariff options. Whether you run a business or manage your home energy, understanding MHHS means you can make the most of new technology and pricing. It’s a simple step forward—check your meter, review your options, and stay up to date with your supplier.


What is market-wide half-hourly settlement (MHHS)?

Get clear answers about the RAB nuclear levy, a new charge set to appear on UK electricity bills from late 2025.

Full Audio Transcript:

What is the RAB nuclear levy?
The Regulated Asset Base, or RAB, nuclear levy is a new charge that will appear on electricity bills for both homes and businesses across the UK. It’s a government-introduced levy to help fund the building of new nuclear power stations, like the Sizewell C project in Suffolk. Essentially, it guarantees funding for developers through a long-term, regulated charge added to your energy bill.

Why has the government introduced this levy?
Nuclear power is essential for the UK’s future energy security and to meet net zero climate targets by 2050. However, building nuclear plants isn’t cheap. The RAB levy helps spread the cost of these projects among electricity users so the UK can diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on imports. While this helps avoid future price shocks, it means everyone will pay a little more for their energy.

Who has to pay the RAB nuclear levy?
The levy is compulsory for virtually all homes and businesses with a standard electricity supply in the UK. Whether you run a small corner shop or a large factory, the charge will apply to you. It’s an unavoidable non-commodity cost added to electricity bills.

Are there any exemptions from the levy?
The main exemptions apply to Energy Intensive Industries, or EIIs, such as steelworks, chemical plants, glass manufacturers, and paper mills, provided they meet certain energy use criteria and hold certification. Most small businesses, charities, and households do not have exemptions and will pay the levy.

When will the RAB levy start appearing on electricity bills?
The levy is scheduled to start showing up on bills starting from November or December 2025. Some suppliers may begin applying it slightly earlier. On your bill, it will typically appear as a separate non-commodity charge.

How much will the RAB levy cost businesses?
For businesses, the levy is currently estimated at about 0.35p per kilowatt-hour of electricity used. For example, a small business using 10,000 kWh per year would pay roughly £35 more annually. Larger or higher energy use businesses will pay proportionally more.

How does the levy impact different types of businesses?
Small and micro businesses like local shops, cafes, and offices will see a modest increase—generally tens of pounds per year. Medium and large businesses such as supermarkets and leisure centres will face higher charges based on their energy consumption. Energy Intensive Industries that qualify for exemptions won’t pay the levy, helping protect their competitiveness.

What will the money raised by the RAB levy be used for?
All funds collected go directly towards building and operating new nuclear power stations, which provide low-carbon electricity and boost the UK’s energy security. Sizewell C is currently the first major project funded by this levy.

How long will businesses need to pay the RAB nuclear levy?
The levy will stay in place for as long as the funding model is required—likely several decades, covering the construction and early operational life of new nuclear plants. The timeline may change depending on policy and project progress.

How can I identify the RAB levy on my electricity bill?
From late 2025, look for a line item titled “RAB nuclear levy” or “nuclear funding levy” under the non-commodity or third-party charges section of your electricity bill. If you’re not sure, ask your supplier to explain the charge.

What should businesses do to prepare for the RAB nuclear levy?
Since the levy is unavoidable for most, businesses should factor it into their annual energy budgets starting in 2025. Keep an eye on communications from your energy supplier and review your contracts and energy efficiency strategies accordingly.


The Regulated Asset Base (RAB) Nuclear Levy—What Small Businesses Need to Know

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

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