Smart meters and MHHS - Powering UK businesses toward net zero

Energy is no longer just a background cost on your balance sheet, it’s a powerful resource shaping the future of your business and our planet. As the UK accelerates towards its 2050 net zero target, the way businesses consume, monitor, and pay for energy is undergoing significant transformation.

At the heart of this shift are smart meters, giving businesses real-time visibility and control over their energy usage. With smart technology, government regulations and energy providers all working together, businesses are better equipped than ever to meet their operational needs while contributing to wider environmental goals. Together, we can step confidently into a smarter, greener future.

The current conversation and MHHS

A major part of the transformation in the energy sector is the Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) which is changing the landscape of energy usage and billing.

MHHS is a new industry-wide regulatory programme that replaces estimated and average energy usage with data from smart meters, which record consumption in 30-minute intervals. This provides a more accurate and detailed picture of your business’s energy use, allowing for a flexible system where customers can easily shift usage to times when demand is lower. Energy bought by suppliers like British Gas is accurately matched to what customer actually use, eliminating an ineffective one-size-fits-all approach and the need for guesswork.

Starting in 2025, all energy suppliers will begin shifting to half-hourly settlement, with all suppliers required to complete the transition by May 2027. This means that within the next couple of years, more accurate bills will help you make smarter decisions and contribute towards achieving UK wide sustainability goals. Staying informed about these dates ensures you’re ready to take full advantage of the MHHS programme as it rolls out.

Why should this matter to you?

• Understanding the impact of MHHS goes beyond just regulatory compliance. It’s about unlocking new opportunities for your business to operate more efficiently, reduce risks, and play a meaningful part in the UK’s energy transition. Here’s why MHHS should be on your radar
• Gain clearer insights to make proactive energy decisions tailored to your operations
• Enhance your ability to participate in flexible energy programmes and potential cost incentives
• Strengthen your business’s reputation by aligning with sustainability and regulatory expectations
• Access improved support and accountability from energy suppliers under new regulatory standards

OFGEM

In support of the transition to smarter energy use, OFGEM have also introduced a new set of regulations aimed at improving service standards across the board. These rules are set to ensure suppliers are more accountable, proactive and responsive when it comes to installing and maintaining smart meters for customers.

Here is an outline of Ofgem’s smart meters regulations

• Installation within 6 weeks
  If your business requests a smart meter, suppliers must offer an installation appointment within six weeks.
• Compensation for failed installations
  If an installation fails due to a supplier’s fault, your business is entitled to compensation.
• Fix plan within 5 working days
  Suppliers must provide a clear plan to fix any smart meter issue reported within five working days.
• Compensation for non-functioning meters
  If a smart meter isn’t working in smart mode and remains unfixed for 90 days, suppliers must automatically compensate you.

For businesses, these new rules offer reassurance when investing in smart technology. Delays, unresolved faults, and lack of accountability have historically made some businesses hesitant to adopt smart meters. However, Ofgem’s updated regulations address these concerns.

With guaranteed timelines for installation and repairs, and automatic compensation if service falls short, your business gains not only protection but confidence. This creates a more dependable energy experience, allowing you to focus on your operational goals while benefiting from accurate billing, real-time data, and improved energy efficiency.

Ultimately, it’s a smarter, safer step forward for any business looking to take control of its energy use.

How British Gas as a provider supports your business

Of course, regulations are only one side of the equation, the other is how energy providers are stepping up to deliver smarter, more supportive services so that businesses aren’t left to navigate these changes alone.

No upfront costs

Providers like British Gas are making the transition to smart meters as simple as possible by offering free smart meter installations, ensuring there's no upfront cost or disruption to your operations.

Accurate readings, accurate bills

Once installed, these meters automatically send readings, meaning no more manual submissions or surprise bills. You will get accurate billing and a clear view of where savings and efficiency gains can be made. With free upgrades, ongoing support, and installation times designed to suit your schedule, suppliers are not only meeting new standards, they're helping your business thrive in a more connected, sustainable energy future.

UK’s energy system

The way businesses manage energy is changing and that’s a good thing. With the rollout of Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) and Ofgem’s new smart meter regulations, the UK energy system is becoming smarter, more transparent, and more aligned with real-time consumption. These changes don’t just support the UK’s net zero goals, they directly benefit your business through accurate billing, better energy insights, and stronger supplier accountability.

Join the smart revolution

Now is the perfect time to take action. By upgrading to a smart meter, you’re not only future proofing your operations, you’re playing an active role in building a cleaner, more efficient energy system for everyone.

For more information please see

Energy UK Explains: Market-wide Half Hourly Settlement - Energy UK

Ofgem sets out new rules to boost smart meter standards and compensation

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Market wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS) – British Gas business