3 MHHS Problems for Energy Managers (and how to avoid them)
There are three problems for Energy Managers which Market-wide Half Hourly Settlement presents.
Ofgem’s reform, Market-wide Half Hourly Settlement, promises cost savings.
However, those cost savings will only happen with working meters and accurate data.
Here we explain the three problems that can occur under MHHS and provide a 3-step framework to take right now to avoid them.
MHHS Problem 1: Manual Reads
What’s happening:
Sites with unreliable remote meter reading face increasing manual reading costs as Suppliers struggle to meet strict MHHS data targets.
Why it’s happening:
MHHS has stricter data quality targets with tough financial penalties for Suppliers who miss them. That means any meters without remote communications will have more manual reads. Those manual reads costs get passed to consumers as additional charges.
Meters need to be dialled remotely by a data collector to avoid unnecessary costs from site visits for manual reads
MHHS Problem 2: Lost Cost-Saving Opportunities
What’s happening:
Organisations without regular access to reliable Half Hourly data can’t identify the cost-saving opportunities that MHHS was designed to create.
What’s happening:
MHHS enables sophisticated tariffs and demand management strategies. But this only works if you have accurate, accessible energy data. Poor metering leaves you at risk of being trapped in potentially more costly tariff basic tariff structures with no optimisation options.
Organisations with better data can negotiate better energy deals and optimise their consumption patterns
MHHS Problem 3: Estimated Billing
What’s happening:
MHHS means there are no more Non-Half Hourly estimated profiles used for billing. However, organisations with poor metering infrastructure could still face estimated bills.
What’s happening:
If your meters can’t provide the Half Hourly data quickly enough, Suppliers will still need to resort to estimates for billing.
Organisations with complex operations and 24/7 energy usage patterns could still be vulnerable to inaccurate estimates
The Three-Step Solution Framework for Energy Managers
Step 1: Audit Your Current Metering Infrastructure
Identify which meters need upgrading right now.
How it works:
- List all existing supplies: Half Hourly (HH) vs Non-Half Hourly (NHH) and any Unmetered supplies
- Identify meters which are Advanced (Automatic Meter Reading AMR), Smart or Traditional
- Budget for the replacement of Traditional meters
- Consider switching Smart for Advanced to secure data integrity
- Tackle meters with no remote data collection with your Data or Meter agents
- Ensure you can access data easily from all your meters
- Prioritise high-consuming supplies for immediate attention
Advanced (AMR) meters offer superior reliability and data granularity compared to Smart (SMETS) meters, making them ideal for commercial operations with critical data needs.
The Smart meter trap
A free Smart meter from your Supplier might seem like an easy win. But they’re less robust for commercial operations. We recommend opting for Advanced (AMR) meters to ensure you have access to actual, accurate data.
Step 2: Invest in Metering
Install Advanced (AMR) infrastructure with remote communications which provides reliable, accessible Half Hourly data.
How it works:
- Opt out of any Supplier smart meter roll-out
- Request Advanced meters
- Remote data collection eliminates manual reading costs
- Advanced meters provide automated readings and daily data
- Reliable data opens access to new cost-saving Time of Use tariffs and demand response opportunities
Advanced meters are designed for critical commercial applications. Make sure they’re remotely dialled to reduce reliance on expensive manual reads
Step 3: Choose Your Partners
Select Suppliers, Meter agents, and Data agents who understand your requirements and can deliver reliable service.
How it works:
- Your Supplier bills you and reports settlement data. Choose one experienced with your type of organisation
- Your Metering Agent installs and maintains metering infrastructure. Prioritise reliability and performance
- Your Data Agent retrieves and validates data. Ensure they can dial every type of meter you have
- Ensure you have on-demand access to your data through an online platform
You can choose all three agents independently. This gives you control over service quality and data accessibility.
Ready to take control of your metering?
Don’t miss out
Don’t miss outStay in the loop with our news, events and more direct to your inbox
Home »
