Business half-hourly electricity tariff rates UK
Compare whole-of-market half-hourly (HH) electricity tariffs for UK businesses. Tell us about your site and we’ll source suitable HH rates from leading suppliers—fast, clearly explained, and tailored to your usage profile.
- For businesses with half-hourly meters (typically 100kW+ demand, or sites upgraded to HH)
- Compare fixed, flexible and pass-through HH options—whole-of-market
- Get pricing shaped to your actual settlement data (not generic averages)
- Support with contract terms, pass-through costs and renewal timing
No obligation. UK business energy only. We’ll use your details to prepare a quote and contact you about your options.
Compare half-hourly electricity tariffs for your business
Half-hourly electricity pricing can vary significantly depending on when your business uses power. Instead of a single flat unit rate, HH tariffs reflect time-of-use and pass-through costs—so the “best” tariff depends on your site’s profile, contract preferences and risk appetite.
EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market business energy suppliers and helps you understand like-for-like HH quotes. If you can share your MPAN and recent bill (or just your postcode and business name), we can request tailored pricing and walk you through the options.
Tip: If your meter is half-hourly, suppliers can price using your settlement data. That’s why HH quotes are often more accurate than non-HH estimates—especially for high-load sites, multi-shift operations, or businesses with peak-time demand.
What you’ll get
- Supplier options across fixed, flexible and pass-through structures
- Clear breakdown of standing charge, unit rates and pass-through elements (where applicable)
- Guidance on contract length, renewal windows and change-of-tenancy (if relevant)
- Support comparing like-for-like quotes for the same tariff structure
Get HH tariff rates
Complete the form and we’ll prepare half-hourly quotes for your site.
What is a half-hourly (HH) electricity tariff?
A half-hourly electricity tariff is a business electricity contract priced for a meter that records consumption in 48 settlement periods per day. Suppliers use this data to build rates that better reflect your time-of-use—particularly the difference between daytime peaks and overnight/off-peak usage.
Common signs you have an HH meter
- Your bill mentions HH, settlement, or DUoS bands (red/amber/green)
- You’re billed using kW demand or have capacity charges
- Your site uses significant electricity (often, but not always, 100kW+ maximum demand)
- You receive half-hourly data or have an AMR/advanced meter with HH settlement
Why HH tariffs are priced differently
- Energy costs can be time-weighted (peak periods usually cost more)
- Network charges can vary by time bands and capacity
- Some tariffs include pass-through elements that move with industry charges
- Suppliers may offer flexible purchasing that tracks market movements
If you’re unsure, send your MPAN and a recent bill via the quote form and we’ll help confirm your metering and the tariff types suitable for your business.
Benefits of comparing half-hourly electricity tariffs
HH electricity rates aren’t one-size-fits-all. Comparing on a whole-of-market basis helps you find a contract that matches how your business uses energy—not how an average customer uses it.
More accurate pricing
HH quotes can be shaped to your settlement data, giving a clearer view of likely costs than broad-brush estimates.
Better fit for your risk appetite
Choose between fixed, flexible or blended approaches depending on whether you prioritise budget certainty or market opportunity.
Transparency on pass-through costs
We’ll help you compare quotes on a like-for-like basis so hidden extras don’t distort the headline “rate”.
Optimise peak-time usage
Time-of-use pricing can highlight costly half-hours and support operational changes (where practical).
Support for multi-site portfolios
HH comparisons are especially useful for groups with mixed profiles, complex renewals and varied DNO regions.
Renewal timing guidance
Avoid out-of-contract rates by starting early and understanding termination notice and rollover risk.
How half-hourly electricity tariff rates are built
When suppliers quote HH electricity rates in the UK, pricing is usually made up of multiple components. Some are supplier-set (your energy and margin). Others are industry or network costs that may be fixed, forecast, or passed through.
Important: “Cheapest HH rate” can be misleading if two quotes use different structures (e.g. fully fixed vs pass-through). Always compare on the same basis.
Typical HH cost components (explained)
| Component | What it is | How it may appear on quotes |
|---|---|---|
| Energy (wholesale) + supplier margin | The core unit cost of electricity and supplier margin/fees. | Fixed p/kWh, time-weighted p/kWh, or a flexible purchasing arrangement. |
| Standing charge | Daily charge to supply the meter point and cover administration/metering elements. | p/day. |
| Network charges (DUoS / TNUoS) | Costs for using distribution and transmission networks; can depend on region and time bands. | Bundled into unit rate or shown separately (often as pass-through). DUoS may be red/amber/green. |
| Capacity / availability charges | Charges based on agreed capacity (kVA) and availability for certain sites. | kVA-related line items; more common on larger HH supplies. |
| Environmental & policy costs | Industry charges that can apply to electricity supply (varies over time and by arrangement). | Included in “all-in” pricing or passed through depending on contract type. |
| Metering & data services | Costs for HH data collection/communications and meter operator services. | Bundled, or separate “DC/DA/MOP” charges depending on contract. |
How we compare HH quotes fairly
- Confirm the tariff structure (fully fixed vs pass-through vs flexible) before comparing prices.
- Use your profile where possible—HH data helps avoid over/under-pricing based on assumptions.
- Review contract terms (length, payment method, credit requirements, and any fees).
- Check what’s included—standing charge, DUoS bands, metering/data charges and industry pass-throughs.
- Validate renewal timing to avoid expensive out-of-contract or rollover rates.
Ready to compare? Use the HH quote form and we’ll request whole-of-market pricing for your site.
Half-hourly tariff types: which is right for your business?
HH electricity tariffs usually fall into a few common structures. The right choice depends on cashflow predictability, your exposure preference, and how actively you want to manage energy costs.
All-in fixed
One bundled unit rate (or a simple set of rates) designed for budgeting certainty.
- Pros: simpler forecasting
- Watch-outs: can include supplier risk premiums
Pass-through / non-bundled
Energy/margin fixed, with certain industry and network charges billed at cost.
- Pros: transparency
- Watch-outs: bills can move with charges
Flexible purchasing
Energy is bought in tranches across time, often paired with HH profile settlement.
- Pros: potential to smooth market timing
- Watch-outs: more complex governance
Practical guidance: If you need stable monthly forecasting, explore all-in fixed options first. If you have energy management resource and want transparency, pass-through can suit. Larger portfolios may consider flexible purchasing.
Common mistakes when comparing HH electricity rates
Comparing different quote structures
A pass-through quote may look cheaper on the unit rate but can bill additional lines separately. Always compare like-for-like: fully fixed vs fully fixed, or pass-through vs pass-through.
Ignoring your time-of-use profile
If your business runs heavy loads during red-band periods, a headline “average” rate can understate real cost. HH settlement data matters.
Leaving renewal too late
HH contracts can take longer to price due to data checks. Start early to avoid rolling onto expensive out-of-contract rates.
Not confirming DNO region impacts
Network charges vary by region and time band. If you’re comparing multiple sites, each location can price differently even with the same supplier.
FAQs: business half-hourly electricity tariff rates (UK)
Are half-hourly electricity rates cheaper?
Not automatically. HH pricing can be lower if your usage is weighted to off-peak periods or if your profile is attractive to a supplier. It can be higher if demand is concentrated at peak times or if pass-through costs rise. The best approach is to compare quotes using your HH data.
What information do I need to get an HH quote?
Ideally:
- MPAN and supply address/postcode
- A recent bill (to confirm metering and charges)
- Contract end date (if known)
If you don’t have everything to hand, submit the quote form with what you know and we’ll advise next steps.
What’s the difference between HH and Economy 7?
Economy 7 is a two-rate domestic-style setup (day/night). Half-hourly settlement records usage in 30-minute periods and is primarily used for business supplies with higher demand or advanced metering. HH tariffs can incorporate more granular time-of-use costs than a simple two-rate structure.
Can I switch supplier on a half-hourly meter?
Yes. Switching works similarly to other business supplies, but quotes can take longer because suppliers may review HH consumption data and contract structure. If you’re approaching renewal, start early so you have time to compare and avoid rollover risks.
Do HH tariffs include VAT and the Climate Change Levy (CCL)?
Quotes can be presented excluding VAT and levies, or as all-in—this varies by supplier and broker presentation. We’ll help confirm what’s included so you can compare accurately. (Your VAT treatment depends on your business status and eligibility.)
How long does it take to get half-hourly electricity prices?
For many HH supplies, pricing can be returned the same day, but complex sites, portfolios, or suppliers requiring additional data may take longer. Submitting MPAN and a recent bill usually speeds things up.
Why businesses use EnergyPlus
Whole-of-market comparison
Access a broad panel of UK business energy suppliers and tariff structures suited to HH metering.
Like-for-like clarity
We help you interpret HH quotes so you’re not comparing a bundled price against a pass-through price by mistake.
UK-based support
Talk to someone who understands business energy terms, renewal windows, and HH billing complexity.
What customers say
“We run long hours and our half-hourly bills were hard to predict. EnergyPlus explained the difference between all-in and pass-through and helped us choose a contract that matched our usage.”
“We compared HH rates for multiple sites across different regions. The like-for-like breakdown saved time and helped us avoid a deal with unexpected extras.”
Trust indicators: Whole-of-market comparison • UK business energy focus • Support with HH quote structure and renewal timing.
Get your business half-hourly electricity tariff rates
Submit your details and we’ll source whole-of-market HH quotes and help you compare them on a like-for-like basis.
- Suitable for HH/AMR/advanced meters and higher-demand sites
- Fixed, pass-through and flexible options
- Clear guidance on what’s included in the price
Prefer to learn first? Jump to how HH pricing works.
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