Bills, meters and consumption
Half-hourly and non-half-hourly business electricity meters
Is our electricity meter half-hourly or non-half-hourly, and why does that matter?
Half-hourly metering records electricity consumption in 30-minute periods, while traditional non-half-hourly arrangements have historically used less frequent reads and an assigned consumption profile. Market-wide half-hourly settlement is changing how more electricity supplies are settled, so do not rely on an old label alone. Confirm the current meter, data and settlement arrangements for each MPAN.
Written by Energy Guide editorial team · Specialist review: Pending · Source checked:
Half-hourly describes interval information
A half-hourly meter or data service can provide consumption for each 30-minute settlement period. That gives an organisation a load shape: when energy is used, when demand peaks and what remains running outside operating hours.
A non-half-hourly label has traditionally described smaller supplies settled through profiles rather than site-specific interval data. Meter capability, data collection and settlement treatment are related but not identical, especially during market transition.
Why decision-makers care
Interval information can support procurement, bill validation, operational improvement, capacity reviews and assessment of solar or storage. It can also expose incomplete data, so treat a report as evidence to reconcile rather than automatic truth.
- Confirm the MPAN and meter serial number
- Ask what interval data is available and from whom
- Check whether readings are actual, estimated or substituted
- Compare opening hours with overnight and weekend demand
- Retain site identity when combining portfolio data
Avoid making the label the decision
The right contract or intervention depends on consumption, timing, capacity, estate plans and risk—not simply whether somebody calls a meter HH or NHH. Ask the supplier, broker or data provider to explain the current arrangement in writing.
Sources
These sources support the explanation above. Check the linked source for current rules and eligibility.