Market wide half hourly settlement (MHHS)
What's MHHS?
MHHS is a significant regulatory change for the UK energy industry that modernises the measurement, trading and settlement of electricity. Ofgem aims to create a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable energy system that helps the UK meet its net zero targets.
Benefits of MHHS
Market wide half hourly settlement will provide accurate meter readings in the UK by recording the Half-Hourly (HH) data that modern electricity meters produce - including smart devices.
Accurate billing
Half Hourly power consumption delivers accurate billing data
Insight into energy usage
Analyse your energy data and optimise
Net zero
Support UK’s net zero goals
Flexibility
Participate in demand-side flexibility services
FAQs
What is Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS)?
The UK energy regulator, Ofgem, has initiated a significant regulatory change for the industry in the form of Market-wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS).
By modernising the measurement, trading and settlement of electricity, Ofgem aims to create a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable energy system that helps the UK meet its net zero targets.
Why is the Government introducing MHHS?
MHHS will generate more accurate electricity data and facilitate a more accurate picture of power demand across the UK.
This will help the grid, suppliers, and consumers to optimise energy distribution and usage. It also supports the transition to a net zero grid, without the need for any extensive and expensive reinforcement; instead, MHHS enables and promotes more flexible usage.
When’s the MHHS roll out happening?
MHHS is taking place in stages between September 2025 and July 2027:
- September 2025 - Migration starts across the energy industry
- August 2026 to May 2027 - Changes will go live for Drax Energy Solutions customers
- July 2027 - Ofgem’s target for MHHS completion
How will MHHS impact UK businesses?
If you already have a half-hourly (HH) meter, there’ll be no change to your current billing arrangements - everything will continue as normal.
If you have a non-half-hourly (NHH) meter, we’ll estimate your usage in line with new, MHHS-related industry processes.
If you’d prefer to upgrade to a HH meter, our metering team can arrange it. Simply get in touch at metering.enquiries@drax.com.
What are the key benefits for your business?
- More accurate, transparent billing
- Better insights into energy usage, allowing you to make more informed choices
- Access, potentially, to cost effective energy tariffs
- Support for the UK’s net zero goals
- Possible participation in demand-side flexibility services
Do you need a smart meter?
No, you don’t need a smart meter for the roll out of MHHS as your existing meter will continue in the same way. However, it’s possible you’ll miss out on the benefits of the MHHS programme. If you’re interested in getting a smart or advanced meter, please contact smart@drax.com.
Is MHHS mandatory for all business customers?
MHHS will become the standard for all metered electricity supply points, regardless of the size of the business or the level of consumption.
Will Drax Energy Solutions need to change your contract?
No. However, once your contract ends and MHHS is in effect, you may want to review and explore new tariff options.
What should you do now to prepare?
If you already have a HH meter, you don't need to do anything.
In due course, we’ll contact our customers with NHH meters, or no meter at all, to advise them of what to do next. This could include choosing to get a smart or advanced meter through our metering team: smart@drax.com.
Where can you get further advice?
You can contact us using the details on your bill, or by emailing our metering team: metering.enquiries@drax.com.
You can also refer to Ofgem’s official MHHS resources.