Business energy half hourly meter rates in the UK

A practical guide to HH (half-hourly) electricity pricing for UK businesses: what affects your rate, how bills are built, and how to compare quotes fairly.

  • Understand HH pricing: unit rates, standing charges and pass-throughs
  • See realistic cost scenarios (with assumptions) and common pitfalls
  • Get whole-of-market help to compare suppliers for your exact site
Get your HH business energy quote How HH rates are built

Rates are estimated and depend on your profile, contract terms, credit checks and pass-through charges. We’ll ask for your MPAN and HH data where possible.

Fast answer: what are UK HH business meter rates?

In the UK, a half-hourly (HH) electricity meter records usage in 30-minute blocks. Your HH rate isn’t one fixed “pence per kWh” for all businesses. It is typically made up of:

1) Unit rate(s)

The price per kWh for your energy. It may be a single fixed price or vary by time bands (e.g., day/night) depending on supplier and contract structure.

2) Standing charge

A daily charge for having the supply. HH sites often have higher standing charges due to metering, data and network cost structures.

3) Pass-through charges

Network, policy and industry charges that can be fixed (bundled) or variable (passed through at cost). These can materially change your total bill.

Key takeaway: For HH meters, the “best rate” is the quote that matches your half-hourly usage profile and is clear about what’s included (and what’s not). Always compare total estimated annual cost and the treatment of pass-through charges, not just the headline p/kWh.

What most affects HH rates

  • Your consumption volume (kWh) and maximum demand (kW)
  • Time-of-day usage (peak vs off-peak) from your HH data
  • Network region and DUoS tariff (set by the local DNO)
  • Contract length, risk appetite (fixed vs flexible), credit score
  • Whether pass-through charges are bundled or variable

What to ask for in quotes

  • Confirmation of HH data source (supplier, DNO, data collector)
  • All-in price vs itemised pass-through schedule
  • Estimated annual cost using your profile (not “average”)
  • Exit fees, rollover terms, and billing frequency
  • Capacity and reactive power treatment (if applicable)

How HH business electricity prices are built (UK)

A typical HH bill combines supplier charges and regulated/industry charges. Suppliers may present these in different ways, so it helps to know what you’re looking at.

Supplier charges (your contract)

Energy unit rate (p/kWh)
Can be single-rate, time-banded, or linked to wholesale (flexible contracts). HH profiles can benefit if you use more off-peak energy, but not always.
Standing charge (p/day)
Covers fixed supplier costs for the account, billing, and in some cases metering/data services. It varies by supplier and meter setup.
Supplier margin & fees
Often embedded in the unit rate/standing charge. For flexible contracts, there may be additional management fees.

Regulated and industry charges (often “pass-throughs”)

These can be bundled (“all-in”) or charged separately as they change. The exact set depends on your meter type, profile, and network area.

  • DUoS (Distribution Use of System): local distribution network costs; varies by DNO region and often by time band.
  • TNUoS (Transmission charges): national grid transmission costs.
  • BSUoS (Balancing Services): grid balancing costs (charging reforms may affect how it appears).
  • Policy costs (where applicable): schemes and levies can be included in different ways depending on eligibility and contract structure.
  • VAT: typically 20% for most businesses; some may qualify for reduced rates in limited circumstances.

Important: Two quotes with the same p/kWh can produce different bills if one bundles pass-through charges and the other passes them through as variable. Always ask for an estimated annual cost using your HH data and a clear inclusions list.

Get HH quotes tailored to your meter

Tell us a few details and we’ll compare whole-of-market options. For the best accuracy, have your latest bill to hand (MPAN, current supplier, and contract end date).

Start your comparison

By submitting, you confirm this is for a UK home energy comparison. We’ll use your details to provide quotes and contact you about your comparison. You can opt out at any time.

Tip: If you have it, include your MPAN and current contract end date when we contact you. HH pricing is most accurate with recent half-hourly data.

What counts as a half-hourly meter?

A business is typically on HH metering when electricity usage is settled in 48 half-hour periods each day. Historically, many sites moved to HH when their maximum demand was higher (often associated with larger SMEs and industrial users), but eligibility can depend on your meter configuration and industry arrangements. If your bill shows “HH”, “profile class 00”, or references half-hourly data collection, you’re likely HH.

Compare HH contract options (what you’re really choosing)

There isn’t one “standard” HH rate. Most choices come down to risk vs certainty, and how transparently charges are presented.

Option How pricing works Best for Watch-outs
Fixed (all-in) A single bundled price structure where many pass-throughs are included in the rates quoted. Budget certainty; smaller HH sites; teams that want simpler forecasting. Check what’s included; some costs may still be variable; may not capture benefits of off-peak shifting.
Fixed (partially pass-through) Supplier unit rate/standing charge fixed, with specified pass-throughs charged at cost. Businesses that can tolerate some bill movement; want transparency and potentially sharper supplier pricing. Harder to compare; forecasting needs assumptions; ask for a pass-through list and calculation method.
Flexible / wholesale-linked Energy costs track wholesale market purchases; typically paired with management fees and pass-throughs. Larger users; multi-site; businesses with energy management resource and tolerance for volatility. Exposure to price swings; complexity; ensure governance, buying strategy and reporting are clear.
Time-banded tariffs Rates differ by time (e.g., peak/off-peak windows) using HH consumption allocation. Sites that can shift load (cold storage, EV charging, certain manufacturing processes). If most use is during peak, costs can rise; confirm exact bands and whether DUoS bands are reflected.

Decision checklist: who HH pricing suits

  • You have consistent operating hours or a stable demand profile
  • You can provide recent HH data (or a recent bill) for accurate quoting
  • You want pricing that reflects when you use energy (not just how much)
  • You’re open to reviewing pass-throughs and billing detail

Who it may not suit (or needs extra care)

  • Very seasonal operations where “typical” annual estimates mislead
  • Sites with uncertain occupancy or planned equipment upgrades
  • Businesses that need one simple all-in figure and no volatility
  • Accounts with unresolved billing issues (e.g., wrong MPAN, disputes)

Practical comparison tip: Ask each supplier (or your broker) for an annual cost built from your last 12 months of HH data, and a written statement of which charges are included vs passed through.

Costs, exclusions & common HH pitfalls (UK)

HH billing is detailed. These are the issues that most often cause “the quote didn’t match the bill”.

1) Pass-throughs not compared like-for-like

One quote may be “all-in” while another is “supplier-only”. The second can look cheaper on p/kWh but cost more once DUoS/TNUoS/other charges are added.

2) Using the wrong usage profile

HH pricing depends on when you use energy. If the estimate is based on generic assumptions, it may under/overstate costs for peak-heavy sites.

3) Contract end dates and rollover terms

If you miss renewal windows, you can roll onto out-of-contract rates. Ask about termination notice, renewal timelines and any deemed/variable rates.

4) Capacity, reactive power and site specifics

Some HH sites incur extra charges depending on capacity arrangements and power factor. If you’ve had upgrades (HVAC, machinery, EV chargers), flag it early.

Two realistic HH cost scenarios (with numbers)

These examples are illustrative estimates to show how HH pricing components add up. Your actual rates depend on your DNO region, HH profile, pass-through treatment, credit position and supplier terms.

Scenario A: Small manufacturer (peak-heavy)

  • Annual use: 120,000 kWh
  • Operating pattern: Mon–Fri, 08:00–18:00 (more peak usage)
  • Contract: 12 months, fixed supply rate
  • Standing charge: 90p/day
  • Supply unit rate: 22.0p/kWh (supplier element)
  • Pass-throughs estimate: 4.5p/kWh (network & industry charges blended)
  • VAT: 20% (typical)

Estimated annual cost (ex VAT):

  • Energy + pass-throughs: 120,000 × (22.0p + 4.5p) = £31,800
  • Standing charge: 365 × £0.90 = £328.50
  • Total ex VAT: £32,129 (rounded)
  • Total inc VAT (20%): £38,555 (rounded)

If DUoS time bands are high in your region, peak-heavy sites can see higher blended pass-throughs than this example.

Scenario B: Cold storage / hospitality (more off-peak)

  • Annual use: 260,000 kWh
  • Operating pattern: 24/7 load with more overnight consumption
  • Contract: 24 months, time-banded unit rates
  • Standing charge: £1.20/day
  • Weighted supply unit rate: 19.5p/kWh (blended across bands)
  • Pass-throughs estimate: 3.8p/kWh (blended)
  • VAT: 20% (typical)

Estimated annual cost (ex VAT):

  • Energy + pass-throughs: 260,000 × (19.5p + 3.8p) = £60,580
  • Standing charge: 365 × £1.20 = £438
  • Total ex VAT: £61,018 (rounded)
  • Total inc VAT (20%): £73,222 (rounded)

If you can shift additional load away from peak periods, a time-banded structure may improve your blended rate—subject to supplier terms and network charges.

Remember: In real quotes, pass-throughs may be itemised and can change during the contract (depending on terms). Always request the supplier’s inclusions/exclusions list and a copy of the charge schedule.

FAQs: business half-hourly meter rates (UK)

How do I know if my business has an HH meter?

Check your bill for references to half-hourly data, “HH”, or profile class 00. If you have an MPAN, a supplier or broker can usually confirm the metering class and settlement type.

Are HH rates always cheaper?

Not necessarily. HH pricing is more reflective of when you use energy. If your demand is concentrated in peak periods, your total costs can be higher than a site with more off-peak usage, even at similar annual kWh.

Can I switch supplier with an HH meter?

Yes, in most cases. Switching timelines depend on contract end date, termination notice, and whether there are account issues (e.g., incorrect MPAN details or debt). Always check exit fees and notice periods before agreeing a new deal.

What information improves the accuracy of HH quotes?

Your MPAN, current supplier, contract end date, and ideally 12 months of HH consumption data (or a recent bill that enables data retrieval). Also mention planned changes: new machinery, extended hours, EV chargers, or additional units.

What are “pass-through” charges on HH contracts?

They’re charges that may be billed at cost and can change over time (depending on contract terms). Common examples include network-related charges such as DUoS and transmission-related charges. Ask whether your quote is all-in or itemised.

Do HH meters affect standing charges?

They can. Some HH sites see higher standing charges due to additional data and settlement processes. However, the overall cost still depends on unit rates and pass-throughs, not standing charge alone.

Is VAT always 20% for business electricity?

Often, yes. Some organisations may qualify for reduced VAT rates in specific circumstances, but most standard business supplies are charged at 20%. If you believe you qualify for a different rate, confirm with your accountant and supplier.

What if my bill shows estimated reads or missing half-hours?

Data gaps can affect settlement and billing accuracy. If you suspect missing HH data, ask your supplier/data agent to investigate. When comparing quotes, tell us if you’ve had billing disputes or meter changes so expectations are set correctly.

Trust, methodology & sources

Page details

How we assess HH “rates” for UK businesses

Because HH pricing varies by site and contract structure, we focus on helping you compare quotes in a way that reflects real billing. Our approach is:

  1. Profile-led: We prioritise quotes built from your HH consumption data (or the best available proxy from bills and settlement data).
  2. Like-for-like: We check whether quotes are all-in or pass-through and highlight what’s included.
  3. Total cost focus: We compare estimated annual cost using stated assumptions, not just headline unit rates.
  4. Practical checks: We consider contract length, renewal terms, credit requirements, billing frequency, and any stated fees.

Limitations: Supplier offers change, network charges can vary, and some charges depend on site specifics (e.g., capacity arrangements). Any example figures on this page are illustrative only and should not be treated as a guaranteed price.

Sources (UK)

We include these references for general UK context. HH billing components can be technical; your supplier contract and charge schedule remain the definitive documents for what you pay.

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Updated on 19 May 2026