Your guide to Market Wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS)

With changes to government legislation and a mandatory deadline of December 2026, it’s important your business becomes compliant with new requirements around MHHS. To prevent getting left behind, we’ve compiled a full guide detailing exactly what this means for you and how we can help with our free meter upgrade appointments.

What is Market Wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS)?

Market Wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS) is a compulsory government mandate that requires all UK energy meters to be switched to ‘Half Hourly’ by December 2026. This essentially means that your meter will send meter readings automatically every 30 minutes. This is as opposed to traditional meters, which send readings monthly (or do not send automatic reads at all).

Some consumers already have this in place. If you’re one of them, then you do not need to do anything. For the majority of UK businesses though, this means that the existing meter will need to be exchanged or altered to comply with the new rules.

What are the benefits of Market Wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS)?

MHHS offers a number of benefits including accurate billing and real-time energy monitoring. This allows you to better understand and manage both your energy usage and your carbon footprint. It is also understood that MHHS adopters may be able to take advantage of new energy tariffs and products, which could be more competitive than those available to those still using traditional meters.

How Does Market Wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS) impact electricity pricing and billing for consumers?

The data from your Half Hourly meter will allow for more accurate billing and monitoring of your consumption. With more visibility of how and when you use your energy, you will be more equipped to manage your bills and usage. In turn, this will make it easier for your organisation to achieve its own climate goals.

How soon must I act on Market Wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS)?

Whilst the official deadline is December 2026, the wheels of MHHS are already in motion across the industry. Suppliers and Meter Operators are running programmes like this one to get you up to standard ahead of time so that you avoid any bottlenecks that hit next year.

We can’t guarantee that these programmes will remain free of charge when demand peaks closer to the deadline, so we recommend taking advantage of our free meter upgrade appointments now.

How do I know if my meter needs to be changed?

There are many different types of meters on the market, all with varying capabilities. What needs to happen for you will depend on what you already have in place.

Some Smart Meters already record at HH intervals or have the ability built in, just not switched on. Other meters may need to be upgraded or require a communication device. Your Account Manager will be able to provide more information about what’s right for you.

How does Market Wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS) work in electricity markets?

Market Wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS) works by tracking your energy consumption in half-hourly intervals. These readings are then sent to your supplier (via a data aggregator), and used to provide accurate bills and consumption analysis.

What role does Market Wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS) play in renewable energy integration?

The UK government aims to reduce all direct emissions from public sector buildings by 50% and 75% by 2032 and 2037, respectively, compared to a 2017 baseline. The ultimate goal is for all UK emissions to reach net zero by 2050. Market Wide Half Hourly Settlement (MHHS) will play a significant role in achieving these targets by helping consumers to become more informed about their individual environmental impact.

The data provided through MHHS will also allow the National Grid to understand vital benchmarks such as overall demand and peak usage times, enabling them to ensure that they have enough renewable resource to accommodate the country’s needs.

Electricity Costs for UK Businesses Set to Double

Electricity Costs Are Changing.  Here’s What It Means for Your Business

As we head into 2026, UK businesses are facing one of the biggest shifts in electricity pricing in decades.

Rising grid costs, higher standing charges and new government levies mean electricity bills could increase significantly, and for many businesses, the impact will have nothing to do with how much energy they use.

At GEAB, we’re already seeing confusion around what’s coming, who it will affect most, and what businesses can realistically do to prepare. This month’s briefing breaks it down.

 What’s Driving the Increase?

There are three key changes businesses need to be aware of:

1. Rising Grid Charges (The “Grid Tax”)
The UK is investing £3.7 billion to upgrade the electricity network to support renewable and low-carbon energy.
As a result, Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) charges are expected to rise by around 94% from April 2026.

2.  Higher Standing Charges
Instead of being added to your unit rate, many of these costs are built into the standing charge, the fixed daily fee you pay just to stay connected.
That means even low-usage sites could see bills rise.

3.  A New Nuclear Levy
From late 2025, a new Nuclear Regulated Asset Base (RAB) levy will be added to bills to fund projects such as Sizewell C. This is based on usage and will increase again in early 2026.

Big Business vs SMEs

One of the biggest issues we’re seeing is a widening fairness gap.

Around 500 of the UK’s most energy-intensive industrial sites will receive up to 90% discounts on network charges to remain competitive internationally.

Small and medium-sized businesses including shops, offices, hospitality venues and multi-site operators will not receive these exemptions and will absorb the full increase.

For SMEs, this means higher fixed costs regardless of usage.

What Large Businesses Should Be Doing Now

If you operate large or energy-intensive sites:

• Check whether you qualify for network charge exemptions — and that they’re being applied correctly
• Review contracted grid capacity (kVA) and reduce unused allowances
• Model 2026 energy costs now to protect future budgets
• Explore on-site generation, storage or demand management strategies

 What SMEs Should Be Doing Now

If you’re a small or medium-sized business:

• Don’t assume “fixed” means fixed — many contracts allow pass-through charges
• Pay close attention to your standing charge
• Reduce unused grid capacity to cut fixed costs
• Compare tariff structures, including lower standing charge options
• Seek advice early — waiting reduces your options

The Key Takeaway

Electricity pricing is no longer just about consumption.

From 2026, how your contract is structured could matter as much as how much energy you use — especially for SMEs.

Awareness and preparation now can help avoid unnecessary cost shocks later.