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Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) is a major programme led by Ofgem that will transform how electricity is measured and billed across the UK. By settling all electricity meters on a half-hourly basis by 2026, the scheme aims to deliver more accurate billing, support a smarter and more flexible grid, and unlock new opportunities for businesses to save on energy costs.
In this blog, we’ll break down what MHHS is, why it matters and what businesses need to know to prepare for the transition - from key deadlines and system changes to the benefits of smarter tariffs and energy insights.
The Future of Energy Settlement is Here
The UK energy market is undergoing one of its most significant transformations in decades, the rollout of MHHS. By October 2026, all electricity meters will be settled on a half-hourly basis, bringing unprecedented accuracy, flexibility and opportunities for both businesses and consumers.
From enabling smarter grids to unlocking innovative tariffs, MHHS will reshape how energy is measured, billed and managed. Whether your business already has a half-hourly meter or still relies on traditional settlement, understanding these changes now will help you prepare for the benefits ahead.
What Do Businesses Need to Be Aware of With Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) Changes Coming Into Effect?
- Mandatory Half-Hourly Settlement for All by 2026
By October 2026 (current target), all electricity meters will be settled on a half-hourly basis. This means everyone will benefit from the increased accuracy and granularity of consumption data. - Driving a Smarter, More Flexible Electricity Grid
MHHS is crucial for creating a more flexible and efficient electricity grid that can better integrate renewable energy sources and support the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and heat pumps. - Enabling New Tariffs and Energy Services
The availability of half-hourly data for all consumers will pave the way for more innovative and time-of-use tariffs that reward flexible energy consumption. This can lead to potential cost savings for businesses that can shift their usage. - Improved Accuracy, Better Billing and Cost Savings
MHHS will eliminate the reliance on estimated consumption for non-half-hourly meters, leading to more accurate billing and potentially lower costs for consumers who can adapt their usage patterns. - New Roles and Processes in the Energy Market
The implementation of MHHS will involve the introduction of new roles (e.g., Meter Data Retrievers) and changes to data collection and processing within the energy market. - Transition Timeline
Changes are expected to start going live from September 2025, with a migration period of around 18 months.
What MHHS Means for Your Business
The transition to Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement presents a significant opportunity for businesses to gain deeper insights into their energy consumption, reduce costs and prepare for a smarter, more flexible energy future. If your business already has a half-hourly meter, you’ll benefit from a more efficient and responsive energy market. For those without half-hourly meters, upgrading to Automated Meter Reading (AMR) technology will be crucial to unlock the full advantages of MHHS, including access to new time-of-use tariffs and cost-saving opportunities.
Don’t wait until the changes are fully implemented - get ahead today. Fill out our form to speak to one of our energy team on how your business can make the most of MHHS. Take the first step towards smarter energy management now!