As an energy consultancy, we aim to educate and empower our customers with the latest developments in the energy industry.

One of the most significant changes since privatisation is upon us: the Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS). Shockingly, 53% of businesses are unaware of this monumental shift. We’re here to provide insight into MHHS, its key changes, and what it means for your business.

It’s important to note this is an active initiative and we are reporting on what we know to be true as of now, information is likely to change as it progresses.

So what is MHHS?

MHHS is set to revolutionise how energy consumption is recorded and billed. The initiative aims to provide a more accurate and timely picture of energy use, by ensuring all meters act as half-hourly (HH) meters. This means that actual data, rather than estimated data, will be used, giving businesses precise control over their energy usage. This initiative will also aid towards a global net zero journey by accurately highlighting opportunities for energy efficiency.

Key Changes

Unified Meter Recording: All energy meters will record data half-hourly (HH), giving your business 48 data points daily.

New Market Segments: The current meter classifications will be renamed into the three segments below:

• Advanced: For existing HH or AMR meters.
• Smart: For smart and non-half-hourly (NHH) meters.
• Unmetered (UMS): For all unmetered supplies.

New Meter Service Roles: Two new roles will replace the current Meter Operator (MOP):

• Metering Service Smart
• Metering Service Advanced

Changes to your MPAN: The top line of your MPAN will likely change when MHHS comes into effect.

What Does MHHS Mean for Your Business?

All Settled on HH Basis: The traditional HH/NHH classification will become obsolete, with all energy settlements moving to an HH basis.

Greater Insight into Energy Consumption: Businesses will gain detailed insight into their energy usage, enabling more effective energy management and efficiency improvements.

Active Customer Engagement: Active engagement with this process will be needed if your business wants to unlock a full understanding of energy opportunities.

Potential Impacts of MHHS

• Bill Changes: Bills will become even more detailed with 48 data points a day, potentially making them more challenging to understand.
• Energy Insights: Enhanced visibility into energy consumption can drive better energy management and sustainability solutions.
• Product Opportunities: New products and services tailored to detailed consumption data will emerge.
• Metering Services: Businesses can choose their data and metering services, independent of suppliers.
• Data Visualisation: Analytics tools (like utility hubs) will help businesses visualise and react to their energy data.
• Cost Impact: Costs will vary per customer and remain fluid, but understanding your data may help manage these changes.

When can you expect this change?

The transition to the Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) began in November 2023 with initial testing. From June 2024 to January 2025, suppliers and meters will undergo a rigorous testing phase, with migration starting in April 2025.

The entire migration process is expected to be completed by October 2026. These dates are subject to change depending on the supplier.

Conclusion

The MHHS initiative promises to revolutionise the energy industry. At Brownlow Utilities, we are committed to evolving with the industry, and adapting as new information becomes available. However, with limited details reported thus far, we are left with several pressing questions:

• How will this initiative impact MOP agreements currently contracted for five years?
• What changes will customers see in their energy bills, and what should we inform them about?
• Will clients experience an increase in their utility bills due to the new billing methods?

Although we cannot answer these questions definitively yet, our energy trading and procurement specialists are diligently monitoring updates and analysing the process. When the time comes, we will try to seamlessly integrate our customers into the new system. We will provide comprehensive advice, and report any new updates to ensure a smooth transition.

Our strong partnerships enable us to understand how each supplier will approach these changes and adhere to the necessary timelines. Rest assured, you will not face this transition alone; we are here to help every step of the way.