MHHS explained: what market-wide half-hourly settlement means for your business
Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement is moving every meter in Great Britain to half-hourly settlement. Here are the key dates, the new MSA, ADS and SDS roles, and a…
Metering & Data Service Contracts
Keep your half-hourly bills based on real data by appointing the right metering and data agents, including the MOP-to-MSA and HHDC-to-ADS changes under MHHS.
Talk to us on 07565 147 170
Every half-hourly meter relies on agents working behind the scenes. One keeps the meter installed, configured and maintained. Another collects and processes the half-hourly data. If either appointment is missing, lapsed or wrong, data stops flowing and your bills can quickly drift away from what you actually used.
We help businesses appoint the right metering and data agents, keep those contracts current and sort out the gaps when things go wrong.
How the roles change under MHHS
Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement is changing the names and responsibilities of the agents behind your meter. Our page on understanding MHHS gives the wider picture.
| Previous role | Under MHHS |
|---|---|
| Meter Operator (MOP) for HH and advanced meters | Metering Service Advanced (MSA) |
| Half-Hourly Data Collector (HHDC) | Advanced Data Service (ADS) for HH, CT and AMR meters |
| Data collection for smart meters | Smart Data Service (SDS) |
| Half-Hourly Data Aggregator (HHDA) | Elexon's central Market-wide Data Services |
What we check
- Who is appointed as meter operator and data service for each MPAN
- The start and end dates of each agent contract
- Whether agent contract dates line up with your supply contract
- The charges per meter and how they appear on your bill
- Gaps or estimates in your half-hourly data
- Whether your agents are set up for the new MHHS arrangements
Contract lengths and lapsed appointments
Agent contracts are usually agreed for a fixed term, and that term does not always match your supply contract. This is how sites end up with an agent contract that has quietly expired. Depending on the arrangement, a lapsed contract can lead to higher charges, a new agent being appointed without your input, or a break in data collection.
We keep a record of every agent end date alongside your supply contract dates, so nothing expires without warning. Where an appointment needs renewing, we can compare the options available and explain the charges before you commit.
Some businesses let the supplier arrange agents as part of the supply contract. Others, often larger or CT-metered sites, contract with agents directly. Both can work well, as long as someone is appointed for every MPAN and dates are tracked. When you switch supplier, check whether your existing agents will carry on or be replaced, and make sure the handover is completed.
Data gaps and estimated consumption
When half-hourly data isn't collected, consumption is estimated for settlement and billing. Common causes include meter communication faults, meter faults and agent changes that were not completed properly during a switch. We look through your data for gaps, identify the cause and chase the responsible agent. If a fault needs a site visit or new equipment, our meter upgrade service can help.
Who this service suits
This service suits businesses with CT-metered or high-voltage sites, organisations with several half-hourly MPANs, and any site that keeps receiving estimated bills. It is also useful during MHHS migration, alongside our MHHS readiness review.
How it works
- Send us a bill. We identify your MPANs and current agent appointments.
- We review your arrangements. We check contract dates, charges and data completeness.
- We compare options. Where an appointment is due or missing, we set out the choices.
- We keep track. We record end dates and contact you before anything lapses.
Check your metering arrangements
If you aren't sure who your agents are, or your bills keep showing estimates, we can help. Request a free review or call 07565 147 170 to talk it through.
Questions about metering & data
What is the difference between a MOP and an MSA?
The Meter Operator (MOP) installs, configures and maintains your meter. Under MHHS, the role for advanced meters, including half-hourly, CT and AMR meters, becomes the Metering Service Advanced (MSA). The core job stays much the same: keeping the meter working and set up correctly so accurate data can be collected for settlement and billing.
Do I have to appoint my own metering and data agents?
Not always. Some businesses let their supplier arrange agents as part of the supply contract, while others, often larger or CT-metered sites, contract with agents directly. Both approaches can work well. What matters is that an agent is appointed for every MPAN and that agent contracts do not lapse without anyone noticing.
Why does my half-hourly data have gaps?
Gaps usually come from meter communication faults, meter faults or agent appointments that were not completed properly during a switch. When data is missing, consumption is estimated for settlement and billing. We review your data to find the gaps, work out the likely cause and chase the responsible agent until real data is flowing again.
Find out what your half-hourly supply should cost
Send us a recent bill. We will check every charge, compare contracts from UK suppliers and tell you plainly whether you can pay less. Free, and no obligation.
