Half Hourly Meters

A half-hourly meter (HH or 00) is a type of business electricity meter that automatically transmits consumption data to your supplier every 30 minutes.

Both advanced AMR (Automated Meter Reading) meters and newer smart meters support half-hourly readings. If your business has a peak demand of 100kW or more in any 30-minute period, half-hourly metering is mandatory.

Half-hourly meters automatically record energy usage every 30 minutes, meaning there’s no need for manual readings. These meters send 48 readings per day to your energy supplier via a secure connection.

Since the data is updated in real-time, suppliers can accurately bill you based on actual consumption, ensuring you only pay for the energy you use.

A Distribution Network Operator (DNO) manages and maintains the local electricity infrastructure, including power lines and substations. DNOs are independent of your energy supplier and regulated by Ofgem.

The cost of maintaining the network is covered through a charge called the Distribution Use of System (DUoS), which is included in your energy bill. Large businesses with half-hourly meters must agree on a Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) with their DNO to ensure the network can meet their energy needs.

A Meter Operator (MOP) is responsible for installing, maintaining, and servicing your electricity meter. Businesses with half-hourly meters must appoint a MOP, and pricing and contract terms can vary, with agreements lasting up to five years. If you’re unsure about your current MOP arrangement, we can assist you.

A MOP agreement is a legal requirement for businesses with half-hourly meters. It covers the installation, maintenance, and remote communication of your meter, ensuring accurate data transmission to your energy supplier.

A Data Collector (DC) retrieves your half-hourly energy consumption data via a remote link, while a Data Aggregator (DA) validates and processes this data for billing and settlement. In many cases, the same company handles both roles. If you need help appointing an accredited provider, we can assist.

The Capacity Charge, also known as the Availability Charge, is a monthly fee paid to your local DNO. This charge is based on your agreed Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) and helps cover the cost of maintaining the electricity network.

The kVA (kilovolt-ampere) charge is a monthly cost paid indirectly to your DNO via your electricity bill. It covers the power capacity available to your business and is determined by your Maximum Import Capacity (MIC).

Your Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) and kVA charge are typically listed on your energy bill under terms such as Agreed Supply Capacity (ASC), Agreed Capacity, Availability, or Capacity Charge. Alternatively, you can contact your local DNO for this information.

Reactive power is the excess energy required to run equipment like motors and transformers but doesn’t contribute to their output. If your business exceeds the limits set by your DNO, you’ll incur a charge for reactive power usage.

Improving your power factor with Power Factor Correction (PFC) equipment can help reduce these costs. Your DNO can provide guidance on this. Charges for reactive power are included in your bill under the “Pass-Through Reconciliation” section.

Energy suppliers classify businesses into two categories: standard business users and high-consumption users (large businesses). You’re considered a large energy user if:

• Gas Usage: Your business consumes more than 200,000 kWh of gas annually.
• Electricity Usage: Your business uses 55,000 kWh or more of electricity per year.

Large businesses are billed differently due to their higher energy demands. Half-hourly metering helps track energy usage accurately, making it easier to optimise consumption and lower costs.

HH data refers to the half-hourly energy consumption readings sent from your meter to your supplier. It provides detailed insights into how and when your business uses electricity.

Suppliers use HH data to offer more accurate billing and tariff adjustments, helping you avoid underpayments or unexpected back-billing.

Check your MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) on your latest electricity bill. If the first two digits of the MPAN are 00, you have a half-hourly meter.

If your MPAN starts with 05, 06, 07, or 08, you’ll need to upgrade to half-hourly metering. You can do this by contacting your Meter Operator.

The key differences are as follows:

• CT Meter (Current Transformer Meter): Measures electricity via transformers in high-consumption businesses (typically over 100 Amps).
• WC Meter (Whole Current Meter): Measures electricity directly and is used by smaller businesses and domestic customers.

Both types can support half-hourly metering, depending on your business’s energy needs.

The P272 regulation, introduced in 2017, requires businesses in energy-intensive industries to transition from non-half-hourly meters (NHH) to half-hourly meters (HH).

This change improves billing accuracy and helps suppliers better track energy usage. Most large non-domestic users were fitted with AMR meters in 2014, which are capable of half-hourly readings.