Quick Guide to Half-hourly meters
Half-hourly (HH) metering allows your supplier to split energy consumption into 30-minute segments. This gives your supplier an accurate picture of your energy use over a 24-hour period.
Understanding half-hourly meters and how they make a difference to your bills can seem complicated. We’ve explained the main things you need to know in this article.
Generally speaking, if you use around 100kWh of electricity or more in any half-hour period, then you almost certainly have a half-hourly meter. You can also tell just by looking at a recent energy bill. If there’s a ‘00’ in the upper left corner of your S number, that means you are on half-hourly metering.
What is the kVA charge?
The kVA (kilo-Volt-Ampers) charge is a monthly amount paid to the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for the available power capacity provided to your business. This is paid indirectly to the DNO, via your energy bill. Your kVA charge is based on
your Maximum Import Capacity (MIC).
What is Maximum Import Capacity?
Maximum Import Capacity is the peak power load that your business can draw from the electricity grid. This is agreed upon between your business and the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO). If the highest electricity demand in your business exceeds the MIC, the DNO levies an Excess Capacity Charge, payable via your business energy bill.
Where can I find details of my kVA charge and Maximum Import Capacity?
Your MIC and KVA charges are usually shown on your energy bill. Maximum Import Capacity (MIC) may be listed as Agreed Supply Capacity (ASC), Agreed Capacity or Availability. For your kVA charge, look for Capacity Charge or Availability Charge. Another simple way to find this key information is to call your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
What are the benefits of having a half-hourly meter?
Half-hourly settlement is the core part of the smart, flexible energy system the UK is developing. It will ensure that our low-carbon future is affordable, secure, and fit for purpose. It will integrate the latest smart tech into the electricity sector, enabling it to use the network and the electricity it generates with more efficiency. It also means that customers will be billed with more accuracy.
New technology such as energy storage units will allow businesses and homes to change their energy usage patterns and ease the demand for electricity during peak times. An energy storage unit can recharge when electricity is not at peak demand and is cheaper, and then release the energy when electricity is at peak demand and more expensive.
For businesses, half-hourly data means knowing exactly how much electricity they are using and when. It enables businesses to monitor and then manage energy usage, identifying and then reducing waste.
Visit our FAQ’s page for more information on metering.
For further information visit https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/
