Half Hourly Metering

UK businesses that have a peak load at any time during the day of more than 100kWh will be on half hourly meters that record the amount of electricity your premises are using each and every half hour during the day and night. This data is then collected and automatically sent to your energy supplier

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Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about Half Hourly metering:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a half hourly (HH) electricity supply?

This is an electricity supply with a type of meter known as a HH meter. HH meters are electronic data loggers that record electricity consumption every half hour of every day. This information can then be sent to British Gas by a telecom or radio link via a Data Collector (see below).


Why has my supply got a HH meter?

Broadly speaking any supply that has an available capacity (see below) of over 100kVa should have a half hourly meter. Currently the electricity wholesale market regulator, Elexon, has stipulated that any supply that draws a maximum electricity load of more than 100kW on three or more occasions in a twelve month period must have a half hourly meter. They also stipulate that these meters cannot be downgraded from Half Hourly to Non Half Hourly meters.


What does the Standing Charge cover?

The Standing Charge covers part of the cost of linking your premises to the electricity mains system, providing the necessary metering equipment, and sending out and processing the bills. Similar costs apply to all customers so the Standing Charge is the same for all premises on the same tariff. The costs have to be met irrespective of the amount of electricity you use, so you are responsible for paying the Standing Charge when the electricity supply is connected.


What does Availability Charge cover?

Most Half Hourly Metered supplies are subject to an Availability Charge. It is based on the amount of electricity that we make available to you to meet the maximum demand you are likely to need at any one time. This charge allows the distribution company to reserve that capacity for your supply on the local electricity network.


What does your Unit Charge cover?

All tariffs have a charge that relates to the amount of electricity you use over a period of time. The Unit Charge recovers the cost of fuel used in power stations and the cost associated with the transmission and distribution of electricity to your premises. Unit Charge can depend on the time of day, the season and whether it is a weekday or weekend.


Why aren't there any meter reads on my invoice?

The DA sends British Gas your consumption data (HH data) in form of an electronic file. This file lists the electricity consumption for each half hour of the day. On the basis of this data British Gas calculates your monthly bill. This information can be found on your invoice in the "units" column. The information that British Gas receives from the DA is naturally available to you. This can either sent via email or accessed from the Internet.


What is a meter operator (MOP)?

As a customer with a HH metered supply you must have an agreement with a MOP in place. The MOP supplies and/or leases the meter. It is also responsible for installation of the communication line, maintenance and servicing. A MOP agreement is usually a five-year arrangement and costs around £250 - £500 per year depending on the company. It is an agreement between the customer and the MOP. The MOP will invoice separately for this service.


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