MHHS and the metering evolution

A perspective from Tom Beach and the Metering team  

Why moving to Half-Hourly capable metering matters under MHHS

As the energy industry prepares for Market‑wide Half‑Hourly Settlement (MHHS), many large businesses are already asking what this means for their metering strategy. One of the biggest changes sits with energy suppliers, who will face new charges and cost structures under the MHHS framework. These costs will vary depending on how much data suppliers can access and that’s where your meter type comes in.

Why suppliers are re‑evaluating risk

Under MHHS, suppliers will be charged based on accurate, granular consumption data. Half‑Hourly (HH) meters naturally support this, because they record usage in 30‑minute intervals. But non‑HH meters don’t provide the same level of detail, which means suppliers must estimate usage instead.

Estimation brings uncertainty. And in an industry that’s becoming more data‑driven, uncertainty translates into risk for businesses.

What that means for your business

If your sites still rely on non‑HH meters, you may find that suppliers begin viewing those portfolios as higher‑risk and therefore more expensive to serve. 

That could show up as:

• Higher meter‑related charges
• Increased standing charges
• More limited contract options
• Reduced competitiveness when tendering
• Additional costs associated with manual reads or data reconciliation

Put simply: meters that don’t record HH data may become more expensive over time.

The business case for upgrading now

Moving to a HH‑capable meter gives your business more control, more visibility and more flexibility in a changing market. It helps ensure you avoid rising premium costs and it positions you to benefit from the improved accuracy, forecasting and energy management opportunities that MHHS is designed to unlock.

By upgrading now, you can:

• Stay ahead of supplier cost changes
• Access more competitive contract offers
• Improve billing accuracy across your estate
• Support sustainability reporting through richer consumption data
• Avoid last‑minute disruptions as MHHS deadlines approach

Future‑proof your portfolio

MHHS is reshaping the UK energy landscape, and metering is at the centre of that transformation. While suppliers adjust to the new charging environment, businesses with HH‑capable meters will be in the strongest position protected from rising risk premiums and ready to take advantage of a smarter, more transparent market.

If your estate includes sites that aren’t yet HH‑enabled, now is the ideal time to plan your upgrade.

Meter Communication ‘Sunsets’: What you need to know and why acting early matters

Older communication networks like 2G, 3G, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and Circuit Switch Data (CSD) are being retired. Many meters still rely on these networks, which means the telecoms network itself is approaching its ‘sunset’ date, when it will no longer be supported. In the UK, most of these ‘sunsets’ are linked to the 2G and 3G mobile network closures, as many Smart and AMR meters use them to communicate. Other communication methods, such as CSD and PSTN, are also being phased out at different times by different providers, which adds to the complexity. For large businesses, this creates risks that aren’t widely understood but could have significant operational impacts in left unaddressed. 

What’s the risk?

When the communications method your meter relies on is withdrawn, your meter may no longer be capable of delivering Half‑Hourly (HH) data to your Supplier, even if it’s still accurately recording consumption. Without HH data, businesses lose access to many of the services they rely on today, including: 

• Participation in flexibility and demand‑response schemes
• Access to more accurate billing and forecasting
• Enhanced energy‑management tools
• Data needed for reporting and optimisation
• Reduced cost-saving opportunities as manual download requirements increase

In some cases, businesses may effectively find themselves ‘in the dark’ with no HH data at all.

Why this matters now

The transition won’t happen overnight, but the implications could be felt quickly once sunsets begin. Businesses that rely on communication networks that are being switched off may face: 

• Service loss without warning
• Increased operational risk
• Reduced access to commercial opportunities (e.g., flex markets)
• A rush to replace meters at a time when industry demand is high
• More manual data downloads, resulting in higher operational costs 

How we can help

The good news: these risks can be managed with the right planning. 
EDF can support you by:

• Identifying which of your meters rely on older communications methods that are approaching their technical sunset date
• Recommending replacement options that protect current and future services
• Ensuring continuity of HH data across your estate

Take action before the deadline takes over

Some businesses will need to act to avoid service disruption. Upgrading meters now ensures you remain fully connected, fully compliant, and fully able to benefit from the opportunities of a smarter, more flexible energy system.

If you’d like a review or guidance on next steps, we’re here to help.

Get in touch

Helping Customers navigate the transition to MHHS seamlessly

As the industry moves toward Market‑wide Half‑Hourly Settlement (MHHS), many energy users are juggling the complexities of legacy systems while preparing for a new, data‑driven future.

That’s where we come in.

Whether you're operating traditional metering setups or gearing up for MHHS ready digital infrastructure, we provide a smooth, end‑to‑end service that ensures:

• Continuity across legacy and modern metering environments
• A future‑proof path to accurate Half‑Hourly data
• Minimal disruption during migration 
   

Find out about out metering services here: Energy management and metering made simple | EDF