What is a half-hourly (HH) electricity tariff for business?

A half-hourly (HH) business electricity tariff is a contract where your electricity usage is recorded in 30-minute intervals via a half-hourly meter (HH meter). Your supplier uses this interval data for billing and settlement, which can make costs more reflective of when your business uses energy.

Who needs a half-hourly meter in the UK?

Typically, UK business sites with higher electricity demand may need half-hourly metering. Whether your site requires HH metering depends on factors such as your connection and usage profile. If you’re unsure, you can check your MPAN and current metering details or ask your supplier to confirm.

How are half-hourly electricity tariffs priced?

Half-hourly tariffs can include a unit rate (p/kWh), standing charge, and industry charges that may vary by profile and time of use. Some HH contracts are fixed, while others are flexible or pass-through, meaning certain charges (e.g., network and market costs) can be billed at cost. The exact structure depends on the supplier and contract type.

Is a half-hourly tariff cheaper than a non-HH business tariff?

It can be, but not always. HH pricing can be competitive for businesses that can shift consumption away from peak times or manage demand. A like-for-like comparison should factor in unit rates, standing charges, pass-through elements, and your actual half-hourly usage pattern.

What is the difference between fixed, flexible, and pass-through HH tariffs?

Fixed HH tariffs generally bundle most costs into one agreed unit rate and standing charge for the contract term. Flexible tariffs may allow you to buy energy in blocks over time to manage market risk. Pass-through (also called fully/partially pass-through) tariffs bill some components at cost (e.g., network and industry charges), which can move up or down during the contract.

What information do I need to compare half-hourly business electricity quotes?

To compare HH quotes accurately, you typically need your MPAN, site postcode, contract end date (if applicable), and recent half-hourly consumption data (or a recent bill). The better the data, the more accurate the pricing and savings estimate.

Can I switch half-hourly business electricity suppliers mid-contract?

You can switch at contract end, and some businesses can switch earlier, but ending a contract early may involve termination fees. If you share your contract end date and current terms, you can check the most cost-effective time to switch.

How long does it take to switch a half-hourly business electricity contract?

Switching timelines vary, but many business electricity switches complete in a few weeks. The exact timing depends on your current contract end date, data availability, and industry processes. You can usually secure a future start date to align with your contract renewal.

How can Energy Plus help me compare half-hourly tariffs and reduce costs?

Energy Plus can help you compare half-hourly business electricity tariffs by reviewing your interval usage, requesting quotes, and highlighting contract options (fixed, flexible, or pass-through). You can start by providing your MPAN and a recent bill or HH data to receive tailored pricing and switching support.

How do I get a half-hourly tariff quote for my business?

To get a half-hourly business electricity quote, gather your MPAN and a recent bill (or half-hourly data) and request a comparison. You can start on Energy Plus at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/business-energy/ to explore options and proceed with a tailored quote.

Business half-hourly tariffs: UK cost comparison guide

Understand how half-hourly (HH) electricity tariffs are priced in the UK, what really drives your costs, and how to compare quotes fairly—especially if you have a smart, AMR or larger meter.

Clear, UK-specific explanation of HH meters, settlement and tariffs
Side-by-side comparison table (HH vs non-HH, fixed vs flexible)
Two realistic cost scenarios with assumptions and caveats

Get half-hourly quotes How to compare HH tariffs

Estimates and eligibility vary by meter type, contract terms, credit status and usage profile. We’ll ask for your MPAN, postcode and annual/half-hourly data where available.

Fast answer: what a half-hourly tariff is (and how to compare cost)

A half-hourly (HH) business electricity tariff is priced using consumption measured in 48 settlement periods per day. Instead of one blended “day/night” rate (or a single unit rate), HH pricing can reflect when you use electricity—often with different costs at peak vs off-peak times.

Important: “Half-hourly” describes metering and settlement, not one specific tariff type. You can still have a fixed or flexible contract on a HH meter, and costs can include multiple pass-through charges (not just a single p/kWh).

Key takeaways (UK-specific)

Meter type matters: HH is common for larger sites and many smart/AMR setups; your MPAN profile class and data availability affect pricing and quote options.
Comparing “p/kWh” alone can mislead: HH bills often include pass-through items (e.g. DUoS, TNUoS, BSUoS) that can vary by region and time band.
Your load shape is the big driver: two businesses with the same annual kWh can pay very different totals depending on peak-time usage and maximum demand.
Best practice: compare quotes on an estimated annual cost using the same dataset (ideally your HH data), and check which charges are included vs passed through.

Get half-hourly tariff quotes (whole-of-market comparison)

If you have (or may have) a half-hourly meter, we can compare UK business electricity tariffs across suppliers and present options in a like-for-like format. To keep your quote accurate, we’ll use the best available data—ideally your recent HH consumption or annual kWh from your bill.

What you’ll need

Business postcode
Contact details (for quotes)
MPAN (helpful, not always required)
Annual usage (kWh) or HH data if available

What we’ll check

Meter type (HH/AMR/smart/NHH)
Contract end date & termination window
Credit/industry checks where required
Included vs pass-through charges

Tip for faster, fairer comparisons: if you can share a recent HH data file (or authorise access via your supplier/agent), we can model quotes against your actual half-hourly profile rather than averages.

Request your business energy quote

We’ll use your details to prepare estimated HH tariff options and explain what’s included. No savings claims—just transparent comparisons.

First name

Surname

Work email

We’ll send quote options and a clear breakdown of assumptions.

Telephone

Used to confirm meter details and contract dates.

Business postcode

Meter type (if known)

By submitting, you agree we may contact you about your quote. Quotes are estimated and subject to supplier checks and contract terms.

How to compare half-hourly tariff costs (without getting caught out)

1) Start with the same dataset

Ask each supplier (or broker) to price using the same dates and consumption: ideally your actual HH data, or at minimum your annual kWh plus an agreed profile.

2) Confirm what’s “all-in” vs pass-through

Check whether network and policy costs are fixed/included or variable/pass-through. Two quotes can look similar on unit rate but differ significantly in pass-through exposure.

3) Compare total estimated annual cost

For HH, the fairest comparison is a total annual estimate based on settlement periods, standing charges and agreed pass-through treatment.

4) Check contract terms that change your real cost

Look for termination windows, auto-rollover, uplift wording, credit terms, and any deemed rates if you move in without a contract.

Plain-English check: if a quote doesn’t clearly state what happens to DUoS/TNUoS/BSUoS and other non-energy elements, ask for a written breakdown before you decide.

Half-hourly tariff options: what you’re really comparing

Use this table to understand which contract type fits your site. “Cheapest” depends on your load shape, risk appetite and whether you can shift consumption away from peak periods.

Option	How it’s priced	Best for	Watch-outs
HH Fixed (all-in)	A fixed unit rate (or agreed structure) plus fixed standing charge; many pass-through items bundled.	Budget certainty; sites that prefer predictable bills and simpler approval.	May price in risk; confirm what’s included and the treatment of changes (e.g. DUoS band changes, triad-related items if referenced).
HH Fixed (partial pass-through)	Supplier margin + energy may be fixed; selected network/policy charges pass through at cost.	Larger users who want transparency and can tolerate some bill variability.	Bills can move with non-energy elements; ensure you understand which lines are variable and how they’re calculated.
Flexible / portfolio (HH)	Energy purchased in tranches over time (or indexed); non-energy charges often pass through.	Multi-site or high-consumption businesses with governance for risk and a clear buying strategy.	More complexity; performance depends on market timing and strategy, not just supplier selection.
Non-HH (profiled) business tariff	Usage is estimated across time periods using standard profiles rather than 48 actual reads/day.	Smaller sites without HH data requirements; simpler comparison process.	If you’re actually settled HH, a non-HH quote may be unsuitable or re-priced later; confirm settlement class early.

Decision checklist: who HH tariffs suit (and who they don’t)

Likely to suit

Sites with high daytime usage where better visibility can drive operational savings (not guaranteed, but measurable).
Businesses able to shift load (e.g. refrigeration defrost cycles, EV charging, process loads) away from peak windows.
Operators who want a more accurate reflection of usage than profiled estimates.
Multi-site portfolios where governance exists for energy buying and risk.

May not suit (or needs extra care)

Very small users who prioritise simple bills and don’t have reliable HH data access.
Sites with spiky demand and limited ability to change operating hours (risk of higher peak-related costs).
Businesses close to contract end that can’t meet termination notice deadlines (risk of rollover/deemed rates).
Anyone comparing offers without checking included vs pass-through charges in writing.

Two realistic UK cost scenarios (with assumptions)

These examples show why HH comparison should focus on annual cost and structure, not a single headline unit rate. Figures are illustrative only; your costs will vary by region, supplier, capacity, contract dates, and your half-hourly profile.

Scenario A: single-site light industrial (steady daytime load)

Annual usage: 200,000 kWh
Operating pattern: Mon–Fri, 08:00–18:00, limited weekend use
Quote comparison: HH fixed “all-in” vs HH fixed with some pass-through

Illustrative cost build:

Energy element estimate: £0.21/kWh × 200,000 = £42,000
Standing charge estimate: £0.80/day × 365 = £292
Non-energy elements (network/policy etc.): assume £0.05/kWh × 200,000 = £10,000
Estimated annual total: ~ £52,292

Assumes a blended view of pass-through. In practice, DUoS and other costs can vary by region and time bands, and some quotes will itemise them separately.

What changes the answer: if your peak-time use is high (late afternoon weekdays), HH pricing and DUoS bands can increase the non-energy share of the bill.

Scenario B: hospitality venue (evenings/weekends, spiky demand)

Annual usage: 120,000 kWh
Operating pattern: Evenings, weekends; kitchen + HVAC peaks
Quote comparison: HH all-in fixed vs flexible/indexed energy

Illustrative cost build:

Energy element estimate: £0.24/kWh × 120,000 = £28,800
Standing charge estimate: £0.95/day × 365 = £347
Non-energy elements: assume £0.06/kWh × 120,000 = £7,200
Estimated annual total: ~ £36,347

If a flexible/indexed deal lowers the energy element but leaves more charges pass-through, your total could still rise or fall depending on market movement and network cost exposure.

What changes the answer: short, high peaks can affect capacity/demand-related elements and increase costs even if annual kWh looks modest. Your HH data is crucial here.

Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK HH meters)

1) Pass-through isn’t “hidden” — but it must be clear

Many HH contracts separate supplier charges from network/policy charges (often called pass-through). Ensure you get a written schedule stating which items are fixed, capped, or fully variable.

2) Regional network costs vary

Distribution charges differ by DNO region and time bands. Two sites with identical usage but different postcodes can face different non-energy costs.

3) Data quality affects pricing

If HH data is missing or estimated, a supplier may price conservatively. Sharing actual reads can improve quote accuracy and reduce “re-price” risk after onboarding.

4) Termination windows & rollovers

Business energy contracts often require notice to avoid rollovers. Check your end date, notice period and whether your contract renews automatically if you do nothing.

5) Deemed rates if you move in

If you take over premises without agreeing a contract, you may be put on deemed terms, which can be significantly higher. Arrange a contract early when relocating.

6) “Cheapest rate” isn’t the same as “lowest total cost”

A lower energy unit rate can be offset by higher standing charges, different pass-through treatment, or a mismatch between your load profile and how the tariff allocates costs.

Quick “quote hygiene” questions to ask

Is this quote priced using my actual HH data or an assumed profile?
Which charges are included, which are pass-through, and are any capped?
What are the standing charge, contract length, and payment terms?
Are there exit fees or other termination costs?
What happens if my meter, capacity, or settlement status changes during the contract?

FAQs: half-hourly business electricity tariffs (UK)

How do I know if I’m on a half-hourly meter?

Check your electricity bill for references to half-hourly, HH, AMR, or a detailed list of settlement periods. Your supplier or your MPAN details may indicate HH settlement. If you’re unsure, we can confirm from your bill and meter identifiers during quoting.

Do half-hourly tariffs always save money?

No. HH settlement can be fairer because it reflects when you actually use electricity, but your total cost may be higher or lower depending on your load shape, peak usage, and how the contract handles pass-through charges.

What information makes HH quotes more accurate?

The most accurate basis is your recent half-hourly consumption data (often 30–90 days or more). If that’s not available, annual kWh and operating hours help, but suppliers may apply more conservative assumptions.

What does “pass-through” mean on business electricity contracts?

It means certain charges are billed at cost (or as incurred) rather than bundled into one fixed unit rate. Common pass-through elements can include network-related and balancing charges. The exact items vary by supplier and contract—always ask for the schedule.

Can small businesses get a half-hourly tariff?

Sometimes. It depends on your meter, how you’re settled, and whether HH data is available. Many smaller sites are still non-HH, but smart/AMR arrangements can change what products are available. The quickest way to confirm is to check your bill or MPAN details.

What are exit fees and should I worry about them?

Many fixed business contracts include termination or exit fees if you leave early. Flexible arrangements may have different cost recovery terms. Always check the contract for the end date, notice requirements, and how fees are calculated before signing.

If I change supplier, will my half-hourly meter be replaced?

Usually the meter stays, but processes can vary depending on meter operator arrangements and whether any upgrades are required. In most cases, switching supplier is an administrative change rather than a physical meter change.

What’s the single biggest mistake when comparing HH quotes?

Comparing a headline unit rate without confirming (1) the dataset used for pricing and (2) which charges are included vs pass-through. The fairest comparison is a written estimated annual cost built from the same assumptions.

Trust, methodology and sources

Page ownership

Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
Last updated: March 2026

How we assess HH tariff costs (our methodology)

When we compare half-hourly business electricity tariffs, we aim to produce a like-for-like view of expected annual cost. Our approach typically includes:

Data basis: your HH consumption data where available (preferred); otherwise annual kWh and a reasonable operating assumption.
Quote normalisation: we record what each supplier includes (energy, standing charge, and any bundled non-energy elements) and what remains pass-through.
Regional considerations: we account for postcode/DNO region where it affects network charges.
Contract terms review: length, payment method, credit terms, termination windows, and exit fees where disclosed.
Presentation: we show estimates with caveats, highlighting which parts are fixed vs variable so you can judge risk.

Limitations: supplier pricing can change daily; some charges are outside a supplier’s control; and if your HH data is incomplete or your operations change (hours, equipment, occupancy), actual costs may differ from estimates.

Independent UK sources (for further reading)

Ofgem (UK energy regulator) – regulation, market rules and consumer guidance
Citizens Advice: energy – practical guidance on bills, switching and complaints
GOV.UK: business energy – schemes, policy and business guidance

Note: these sources may not list every commercial pricing component; supplier contracts and quote schedules remain essential for accuracy.

Ready to compare half-hourly business electricity tariffs?

Get a transparent, whole-of-market comparison with clear assumptions—so you can choose a contract that fits your load profile and risk preference.

Start my HH comparison Re-read the key points

Reminder: business energy pricing is bespoke. Your final rates depend on your meter setup, consumption profile, location, credit checks, and contract terms.

Back to Business Energy

Updated on 15 Mar 2026