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There is a good chance that, as a business owner, you have looked into a smart meter for both your electricity and gas. It can potentially help save you time and money, by automatically providing accurate readings to your supplier.
However, if your business uses a lot of electricity, it might be worth considering either getting a half hourly meter installed, or switching to a half hourly reading on your smart meter.
Below we look at the differences between half hourly and non-half hourly meters, how to check if you already have one, and their benefits and disadvantages.
» MORE: Your quick guide to business energy in the UK
What is a half hourly meter?
A half hourly meter, also known as a HH or 00 meter, is a form of smart meter that sends electricity consumption readings every 30 minutes to your business energy supplier.
This means that suppliers can make sure they are accurately charging your business for its energy usage. It could also lead to your business electricity supplier offering you a tariff tailored around your specific energy usage.
Difference between half hourly and non-half hourly meters
The main difference between a half hourly meter and a non-half hourly meter is quite simple:
- half hourly meters automatically send meter readings to your supplier every 30 minutes
- non-half hourly meters either require you to submit manual readings at the intervals required by your supplier, or, if they are smart meters, automatically submit readings once a day or month, depending on your settings
Do I need a half hourly meter?
If your business’ maximum electricity demand in any 30-minute period is more than 100 kilowatt (kW), you are legally required to have a half-hourly meter.
However, if your business’s maximum demand is between 70kW and 100kW during any 30-minute period, it is your choice whether or not you opt for a half hourly meter.
You should be aware of the extra charges that may come with having a half hourly meter. These can include:
- Meter Operator (MOP) charges – this is the cost of your Meter Operator fitting, maintaining and operating your meter
- Data Collector (DC) and Data Aggregator (DA) charges – this is the cost for the collection and distribution of your consumption data
- kilo-Volt-amperes (kVa) charges – also known as the capacity charge or availability charge, this is indirectly paid to your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for your available power capacity, based on your Maximum Import Capacity (MIC)
How do I check if I have a half hourly meter?
It’s very easy to find out whether you already have a half hourly meter installed at your business premises. All you need to do is check your MPAN.
Your MPAN, or Meter Point Administration Number, helps your energy provider identify your exact electricity supply. It is displayed in a grid, as per the image below, and can usually be found on your electricity bill.
To use your MPAN to find out whether you have a half hourly meter, you need to look at the first double-digit number after the S. If it is ‘00’, then you have a half hourly meter.
Pros and cons of half hourly meters
Pros
- Your bills should be even more accurate, potentially saving you money.
- You may be able to secure a tailored contract based on your specific electricity demands.
- You can gain a stronger idea of your own usage trends and, through that, implement energy-saving measures at your business.
Cons
- They come with a number of extra charges that can push up the cost of your metering.
- They are often better suited to larger businesses than small-to-medium enterprises.
» MORE: Business tariffs, rates and prices explained
What is a half hourly Meter Operator (MOP)?
If you have a half hourly meter, you are legally required to have a Meter Operator (MOP) contract. This is the price you pay for the installation, management and maintenance of your meter.
You can either sign an agreement directly with the Meter Operator, or your supplier can appoint one for you as part of your electricity contract. However, it can work out as more expensive to allow your supplier to appoint your MOP.
On top of the Meter Operator, you also must have an accredited Data Collector (DC) and Data Aggregator (DA) to collect and distribute your consumption data. They are usually the same company, and can be appointed by you directly, or by your supplier as part of your electricity contract. Again, leaving it up to your supplier can be the more expensive option.
You can get your Meter Operator and Data Collector/Aggregator services separately, or consolidate them via one provider.
How to switch to a half hourly meter
If you want to switch from a non-half hourly meter to a half hourly meter, you will need to go through a change of measurement class (CoMC). This could involve reprogramming your existing meter or replacing it with a new one.
While the steps will vary from supplier to supplier, the process will likely involve a combination of the following:
- informing your local Distribution Network Operator you intend to switch, and then arranging your Maximum Import Capacity
- securing your Meter Operator services, either directly or through your supplier, ahead of time
- filling out your supplier’s CoMC form
- arranging an in-person appointment for the installation/reprogramming
If you already have a half hourly meter, and you would like to switch your business energy supplier, then you can use our comparison tool to find the right deal for your needs.
Image source: Getty Images
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