Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) is changing the way electricity consumption is settled across Great Britain.
You may have heard about Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS), but if you run a business, you may still be wondering what it actually means for you.
As of early August 2026, roughly half of all industry MPANs had already migrated to the new MHHS arrangements. Full industry migration is scheduled to be completed by May 2027.
The tip of the iceberg
Most of the MHHS transition is happening behind the scenes, but there are a few changes businesses may notice directly.
For example, as your meter and consumption data move onto the new settlement arrangements, you may start to see more detailed, half-hourly consumption data on your consumption portal, rather than the single estimated reading you may be used to. Stay informed about your energy consumption by accessing the Consumption portal. You may also need to consider your meter.
Businesses currently using traditional non-half-hourly (NHH) meters are encouraged to move towards smart meters or advanced meters that can provide regular consumption data. Maxen Power is helping its customers exchange their meters for smart meters at no cost.
If you have a direct contract with an agent for your metering services, please let us know in advance so your agent arrangements can continue smoothly through the MHHS migration.
You can also help manage your costs by shifting more of your electricity use into off-peak hours where possible. For businesses, that means the timing of electricity consumption could become increasingly important.
The technical changes may happen in the background. The way you understand and manage your energy could be where you notice the difference.
Should you ignore MHHS?
No. You do not need to make any immediate changes, but it is worth understanding how MHHS affects your business. As settlement moves to more detailed, half-hourly data, having a clear picture of your own electricity consumption will make it easier to spot energy patterns and manage costs.
If your glass is half full…
Better data can lead to better choices. Once you can see when your business uses electricity, you can start asking simple questions, such as:
o When does your business use the most energy?
o When does your equipment work hardest?
o Are there activities that could be moved to a different time?
The answer will be different for every business, but having better information about consumption makes these questions easier to ask.
But if your glass is half empty…
There’s another side to this too. Once your consumption is more visible, when you use electricity can matter more than it used to. For example, a business that runs heavy machinery mostly during peak hours, when everyone else is also using a lot of electricity, could face different costs than a business that runs the same machinery during off-peak hours.
However, MHHS does not automatically mean higher energy bills. The impact depends on factors such as your consumption pattern, your meter set-up, your energy contract, and how these costs are reflected in it.
What should businesses do now?
There is no need to panic about MHHS. But there are some simple steps worth considering:
- Have a smart/advanced meter.
- Review your consumption patterns and learn how to check your meter readings.
- Think about when you use electricity, not just how much.
- Use your energy data to identify efficiency.
- If you have a direct contract with an agent, let us know in advance so your agent continuity is maintained through the migration.
If your meter needs to be exchanged, book your smart meter installation with Maxen Power today.
In summary
Much of MHHS may not be visible day-to-day, but it is still worth paying attention to. The move towards half-hourly settlement is designed to give the electricity market a more accurate picture of consumption.
So, rather than asking “What will MHHS mean for my business?”, start with a simpler question: “Do I understand how often my energy use is being recorded?” Understanding your energy consumption today could help you make better energy decisions tomorrow.
Have questions about your MHHS or what it means for your account? Get in touch with your Maxen Power.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal, financial or energy procurement advice. While Maxen Power has taken reasonable care to ensure that the information is accurate and current at the time of publication, the UK energy market and MHHS programme continue to develop. Businesses should consider their individual circumstances before making decisions about their energy contracts or consumption.
