Half hourly energy meters play a crucial role in helping larger and energy-intensive businesses monitor and manage electricity usage more accurately. These meters record actual consumption data every 30 minutes and automatically send it to the energy supplier, allowing for precise billing, detailed usage insights, and better access to bespoke tariffs.
They are typically required for businesses with a peak electricity demand above 100 kW in any half-hour period, such as manufacturing plants, warehouses, large retail sites, hotels, data centres, and hospitals. Smaller businesses can also opt in voluntarily to take advantage of advanced monitoring and flexible pricing.
What are half hourly energy meters?
A half hourly meter collects electricity usage data every 30 minutes and sends it directly to your supplier through an Automated Meter Reading (AMR) device or via a smart meter. This differs from standard meters, which record cumulative usage and rely on manual readings or estimates.
Half hourly meters are identified by meter profile class 00 on your MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number) and are used for accurate, real-time data collection. This allows suppliers to charge based on actual usage patterns rather than generic estimates.
Who needs a half hourly meter?
A half hourly meter is mandatory for any site with a maximum demand above 100 kW in any half-hour period, under the Electricity Supply Licence conditions. Businesses with demand above 70 kW may also be encouraged to switch to half hourly metering, especially if they operate over extended hours or use high-powered equipment.
Typical eligible sites include:
- Manufacturing and industrial facilities
- Cold storage and large food production sites
- Supermarkets, shopping centres and distribution hubs
- Hotels, care homes and universities
- Large offices, data centres and hospitals
Benefits of half hourly energy meters
Half hourly metering provides several advantages over traditional billing methods.
Accurate billing
With detailed usage data, invoices are based on actual consumption, reducing reliance on estimates and minimising billing disputes.
Better contract options
Suppliers can offer flexible contracts, including time-of-use tariffs, where businesses pay lower rates for off-peak consumption.
Improved energy management
Half hourly data allows businesses to track peaks in demand and implement efficiency measures such as load shifting, peak shaving, or energy storage.
Greater transparency for compliance
Half hourly data supports ESOS, SECR and other compliance reporting, helping businesses monitor energy intensity more effectively.
Enhanced budgeting and forecasting
Businesses can monitor usage trends and budget more accurately across financial periods.
How half hourly data is used
Energy suppliers, brokers, and consultants analyse the half hourly data to determine:
- Load profiles and consumption trends
- Peak usage times and power quality issues
- Suitable tariff structures, including bespoke pricing
- Opportunities for demand reduction or energy optimisation
Businesses can access this data via online portals or energy analytics software to monitor performance, reduce waste, and plan procurement strategies.
How to switch to half hourly metering
If a half hourly meter is required or beneficial, the process normally involves:
- Assessment of maximum demand – A consumption review determines eligibility.
- Metering installation – A specialist engineer installs the meter and communication device.
- Data collection appointment (DC/DA) – Appointing a Data Collector (DC) and Data Aggregator (DA) for meter data.
- Contract and tariff review – New tariff options are explored based on half hourly usage data.
- Activation and monitoring – Usage data begins being transmitted automatically.
Most business energy suppliers or brokers can manage this process and help assess whether your business would benefit commercially from half hourly metering.
Potential drawbacks to consider
While half hourly metering offers many advantages, there are potential challenges:
- Higher administrative responsibilities, including DC/DA appointments
- More complex billing structures
- Potentially higher charges during peak usage
- Exposure to market fluctuations with flexible tariffs
However, with effective monitoring and energy strategy, these challenges can be turned into cost-saving opportunities.
Is half hourly metering right for your business?
Even if your business is not legally required to use a half hourly meter, it may still be beneficial. Businesses with extensive operating hours, high-consumption machinery, cooling systems, electric vehicle chargers, or large HVAC systems often find that half hourly metering provides better insight and savings.
Using EnergyCosts.co.uk, you can compare half hourly business energy tariffs from multiple suppliers, access tailored contract options, and analyse your usage patterns for smarter energy management.
Key terms explained
- MPAN – Meter Point Administration Number, identifies your supply point
- Profile class 00 – Classification for half hourly metered supplies
- DC/DA – Data Collector/Data Aggregator responsible for managing meter data
- Maximum demand – Highest electricity consumption recorded in any half hour
- Time-of-use tariff – Tariff with variable rates based on time of day
FAQ
It is a meter that records and transmits electricity usage every 30 minutes, allowing for more accurate billing and detailed monitoring of energy consumption.
Check your MPAN. If it begins with profile class 00, your supply is half hourly metered.
If your electricity demand exceeds 100 kW in any 30-minute period, it is mandatory under Ofgem rules.
Yes. Any business can voluntarily switch to half hourly metering to benefit from accurate billing and energy insights.
There may be additional costs for installation and data services, but many suppliers include this within the contract.
Yes. Detailed usage data helps identify inefficiencies and allows businesses to shift consumption away from peak periods.
DC (Data Collector) and DA (Data Aggregator) manage collection, validation and processing of your 30-minute consumption data.
It opens access to bespoke, flexible and time-of-use tariffs based on your usage patterns.
Yes. It supports ESOS, SECR, carbon reporting and other sustainability audits.
You can compare suppliers, contracts and pricing options at EnergyCosts.co.uk.