Energy costs can be reduced by using Half Hourly data to make smarter decisions about energy use across your estate.

A partnership with Stark provides the council with granular, accurate data that goes beyond traditional billing, enabling informed decision making and targeted efficiency measures.

Half Hourly data drives savings through spotting energy waste, preventing estimated bills and identifying peak usage periods.

Using Stark for both MOP (Meter Operator) and DC (Data Collector) services offers local authorities several significant advantages in terms of cost, efficiency and data management. Whilst it is possible to use separate providers, a consolidated service simplifies the entire process and reduces the potential for issues.

Key Benefits of Combined MOP and DC Provider:

1. Single Point of Contact – Instead of managing relationships and contacts with multiple organisations, you have one dedicated contact. This streamlines communication, simplifies problem-solving and reduces the administrative burden on council staff. When a data issue arises, you don’t have to determine whether it’s a meter fault (MOP’s responsibility) or a data collection problem (DC’s responsibility) – your provider takes ownership of the entire process from end to end
2. Improved Data Accuracy and Reliability – When one provider is responsible for both the physical meter and data collection, the data flow is more seamless and less prone to errors. This reduces the risk of data gaps, corrupt readings, and unvalidated data which could lead to estimated bills and billing disputes.
3. Faster Issue Resolution – In the event of a meter fault or communication failure, Stark can diagnose and fix the issue more quickly. This is essential under MHHS with a reduced settlement timetable.
4. Cost Savings – Bundling these services into a single contract is often more cost-effective, saving both time and resources for your organisation.
5. Streamlined Onboarding and Meter Upgrades – For local authorities with large building portfolios, using Stark simplifies the process of installing new meters or upgrading existing (NHH to HH). Stark handles everything from the physical meter installation to backend data set-up.
6. Better Visualisation and Insights – Stark provides a unified online portal that displays all the energy data in a clear, easy-to-understand format.

Understanding these roles is essential for effective energy management:

• MOP (Meter Operator) A MOP is responsible for the installation, maintenance and communication of physical meters, ensuring they work correctly and transmit data accurately.
• DC (Data Collector) A DC is responsible for retrieving and validating consumption data from meters and sending it to energy suppliers for billing purposes.

Market-wide Half Hourly settlement (MHHS) is a major industry wide reform mandated by Ofgem that will change how all electricity consumption in Great Britain is measured and billed. It is set to be fully implemented by mid-2027. For Local Authorities, this change presents both significant challenges and major opportunities.

Under MHHS, ALL meters will have to be settled Half Hourly. This reform is the key enabler for a smarter, more flexible and decarbonised energy system.

Key impacts:

• All meters must be able to send Half Hourly data
• Non-Half Hourly meters need upgrading
• Increased data availability and complexity
• New tariff structures (Time of Use)
• Potential for savings but also higher costs if not managed properly
• New requirements for metering and data services

Stark can support you through MHHS – We are qualified in all the new roles under MHHS, and we can ensure compliance with the new MHHS framework.

Preparation is crucial for a smooth MHHS transition. Here’s what local authorities should do:

1. Audit Your Estate – Understand what meters you currently have. Provide a full MPANs (Meter Point Administration Numbers) list and Stark will carry out a comprehensive audit and provide an MHHS portfolio review
2. Appoint a Combined MOP/DC Provider – Choose qualified providers who understand MHHS requirements and can manage the transition effectively.
3. Engage with Your Supplier – Talk to your energy supplier about their MHHS plans and new tariff offerings. Understand how billing will change and what new opportunities are available.
4. Plan Your Timeline – Start preparations early, as the industry transition will create high demand for services as the deadline approaches.

Half Hourly data can be a powerful tool for achieving Net Zero because it provides the detail and granularity needed to understand, manage and reduce both energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Here’s how:

1. Understanding Demand Patterns – Data shows when energy is used throughout the day, identifying peaks (high costs, carbon intensive periods) and troughs where consumption is lower
2. Carbon-Aware Energy Management – Half Hourly data allows organisations to shift flexible loads (e.g. EV charging, heating) to periods with greener electricity
3. Targeted Energy Efficiency – Detailed data pinpoints waste, highlights inefficiencies and helps justify and monitor savings from upgrades (such as LED lighting, heating system improvements)
4. Better forecasting and Planning – Provides a baseline to track progress, allows modelling of energy reductions, renewable integration and supports business cases for funding applications
5. Regulatory & Reporting Benefits – Many Net Zero frameworks (such as SECR – Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting) benefit from more granular data for accurate reporting.

Half Hourly energy data enables organisations to cut waste, use cleaner electricity, shift demand, integrate renewables effectively and measure progress – all of which are essential steps on the path to Net Zero.

Yes, as part of the service data can be provided via an FTP link. All data is available through our Stark ID platform and downloadable.

A framework is a pre-approved agreement that allows public sector organisations to buy goods and services from trusted suppliers without needing to run a full tender process each time.

Frameworks simplify procurement, reduce administrative burden and ensure compliance with public sector regulations. They allow you to access Stark’s services quickly and efficiently while meeting all legal requirements.

Stark provides a wide range of energy and data services via frameworks, including:

• Energy Data & Analytics
• Metering & Infrastructure
• EV Charging & Strategy
• Net Zero Planning
• Demand Management
• Decarbonisation Support

Frameworks are available to a wide range of public sector organisations:

• Local Authorities
• NHS Trusts & Health Boards
• Emergency Services
• Schools & Academies
• Central Government Departments
• Housing Associations
• Other public sector bodies

Stark is an approved supplier on the following frameworks:

• LASER – Y24009 (Supply of Gas, Electricity and Water Metering Services)
• YPO – 1056 (Metering and Meter Data Services DPS)
• ESPO – 512_21 (Utility Metering and Data Services)
• NEPO – NEPO303 (Meter Operator Services)
• Colchester Council – 0427 (Utility Metering & Associated Services)
• PENDING – CCS – RM6313 (Demand Management and Renewables DPS)

Simply contact our team. They’ll guide you through the process, help you identify the right framework for your needs and support you with all necessary documentation and onboarding.