MHHS: A major transformation in the UK electricity industry

The market-wide half-hourly settlement (MHHS) programme aims to enhance the integration of renewable energy sources, facilitate accurate data settlement and billing, and provide opportunities for consumers to benefit from lower energy costs. Currently, many consumers lack meters that can record energy usage on a half-hourly basis, which often results in estimated billing.

With MHHS, all consumers will have the ability to monitor and manage their energy usage more precisely.

The importance of a functional metering portfolio

Now is an essential time for businesses to ensure their metering infrastructure is functioning optimally and effectively transmitting data. Any communication failures could result in significant delays in obtaining energy usage information. Once the MHHS programme is implemented, suppliers will gain access to half-hourly data more swiftly, facilitating better decision-making regarding energy consumption.

Increased data granularity

The MHHS changes will lead to more frequent and thorough data collection from meters. Businesses that have not yet updated their metering portfolios will need to adapt their systems to accommodate the increased volume of data.

Exciting opportunities for new revenue

An exciting aspect of the MHHS programme is its potential to generate new revenue streams for businesses. With more detailed insights into energy usage, energy management consultants can provide specific recommendations for improvements that may reduce costs and enhance profitability.

Enhanced collaboration

The transition to half-hourly data will likely result in closer collaboration between businesses and their energy suppliers. As this is a huge change for the industry, suppliers will not be able to manage all aspects of metering, electricity supply, and data collation independently. This shift will introduce multiple new agents to ensure compliance with industry standards.

Having a reliable energy management partner can help businesses navigate these changes and ensure their metering and data management are handled accurately.

Improved benefits

Many existing meters operate on a non-half-hourly (NHH) settlement basis, which often relies on estimates. The limitations of NHH supplies mean that fluctuations in daily energy usage are often not reflected in billing, leading to potential discrepancies. As the MHHS programme rolls out, businesses will gain greater control over their energy consumption and better understand where energy might be being wasted.

Prioritise Advanced Meters

We would advise businesses to prioritise the installation of Advanced Meters (AMR) to gain optimal control over their energy data and leverage all the benefits of MHHS. Unlike standard smart meters, Advanced Meters are tailored for business applications – making the transition to mandatory half-hourly data smooth and manageable.
 
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