What is half-hourly (HH) electricity metering?

Half-hourly (HH) electricity metering records your business electricity consumption in 30-minute intervals. This provides detailed usage data that can be used for billing and to identify when your site uses the most electricity so you can target savings.

How do half-hourly electricity tariff rates work in the UK?

Half-hourly electricity tariff rates are based on consumption recorded every 30 minutes. Depending on your contract, pricing may be fixed, flexible, or linked to market movements. Your bill typically includes wholesale energy, network charges, metering costs and other pass-through charges, plus supplier fees.

Who needs a half-hourly meter?

Many larger businesses have HH meters, commonly where electricity demand is higher and detailed settlement is required. If you are unsure whether your site is half-hourly, your bill, meter details or MPAN information can indicate the metering class, or you can ask your current supplier.

Is a half-hourly tariff cheaper than a standard business electricity tariff?

It can be, but it depends on your usage profile and contract type. HH pricing can reward businesses that can shift consumption away from peak periods or actively manage demand, but costs may be higher if most usage is during peak times or if pass-through charges are significant.

What affects half-hourly electricity prices for businesses?

HH electricity prices can be influenced by wholesale market conditions, time-of-use demand, network and distribution charges, capacity charges, and your site’s half-hourly consumption pattern. Improving load management and avoiding peak demand periods can help reduce overall costs.

Can I switch my half-hourly business electricity contract?

Yes. Businesses with half-hourly meters can usually switch suppliers at contract end (or earlier depending on terms). To compare HH tariff options accurately, you’ll typically need recent half-hourly data (or a data request from your current supplier or agent).

What information do I need to get a half-hourly electricity quote?

To price a half-hourly tariff accurately, you’ll usually need your MPAN, business address and recent half-hourly consumption data (or a recent bill). Providing up-to-date consumption data helps suppliers offer more competitive and accurate pricing.

How can Energy Plus help my business with half-hourly tariff rates?

Energy Plus helps businesses compare half-hourly electricity tariff options and find a suitable contract based on their usage profile. To request a quote, visit https://www.energyplus.co.uk/business-energy/business-half-hourly-electricity-tariff-rates-uk and provide your site details and recent consumption or billing information.

Can I reduce costs on a half-hourly electricity meter without changing supplier?

Often, yes. You may be able to reduce costs by shifting energy-intensive activities away from peak periods, smoothing demand spikes, improving equipment efficiency, and monitoring half-hourly data to identify waste. Even small operational changes can reduce peak-related charges.

Business half-hourly electricity tariff rates UK

Compare whole-of-market half-hourly (HH) electricity tariffs for UK businesses. Get accurate HH rate options from leading suppliers—based on your interval data, site details and contract preferences.

Whole-of-market comparison for HH metered sites (often 100kW+ / large demand)
Options for fixed, flexible and pass-through contracts
Support for single-site and multi-site portfolios across Great Britain
Free, no-obligation quotes—submit details in minutes

Get HH quotes How HH rates work

EnergyPlus is a comparison service. Availability and pricing depend on meter type, consumption profile, credit checks and supplier criteria. We’ll guide you through the right contract route for your site(s).

Get business HH electricity tariff rates—whole-of-market

Half-hourly electricity pricing is driven by when you use power as much as how much you use. EnergyPlus compares business HH electricity tariffs across a wide range of UK suppliers and contract routes, using your meter details and (where available) half-hourly consumption data to help you shortlist the most suitable options.

If you’re renewing an existing HH contract, arranging a new supply for a large site, or managing multiple locations, use the form to request quotes and a callback from our business energy team.

What you’ll need (if you have it)

MPAN (or a recent bill) for each site
Annual consumption (kWh) or your latest HH data summary
Current contract end date and supplier (if renewing)
Preferred contract style: fixed, flexible, or pass-through

Managing more than one meter?

Submit one request and tell us it’s a multi-site portfolio. We can compare supplier appetite, credit approach and contract structures across your estate.

Important: HH electricity tariffs are typically quoted individually (and can vary by site, load profile and contract route). The fastest way to get accurate business half-hourly electricity tariff rates is to request quotes using your MPAN and usage details.

What is a half-hourly (HH) electricity meter?

A half-hourly meter records your electricity consumption in 48 settlement periods per day. Instead of estimating a typical profile, suppliers can price your contract based on your actual usage shape—peak periods, overnight load, weekend operation and any spikes.

In Great Britain, HH metering is commonly associated with larger business sites, often where the maximum demand is around 100kW or above (though eligibility can vary). Many larger supplies are settled half-hourly and billed accordingly.

How to tell if you’re on HH

Your bill references HH, half-hourly, settlement periods or DUoS red/amber/green
You have a maximum demand line item
Your meter operator provides interval reads / data collector details
You’ve been offered flexible purchasing or a pass-through contract

Why HH tariff rates are different

With HH supplies, the “rate” isn’t always one simple p/kWh. Many contracts split energy and non-energy costs, and some include charges that move with the market or network time bands.

Consumption shape matters: heavy daytime usage can cost more than overnight load.
Network charges can vary by time band (e.g. red/amber/green on some tariffs).
Contract choice changes risk: fixed vs flexible vs pass-through.
Site specifics: voltage level, capacity, and metering arrangements can affect totals.

EnergyPlus helps you compare like-for-like HH quotes and understand what’s included, so you can choose a tariff that matches your risk appetite and operational needs.

Why compare half-hourly electricity tariff rates with EnergyPlus?

Whole-of-market supplier access

We compare business HH electricity tariffs across a wide range of suppliers and contract routes, helping you see options beyond a single renewal quote.

Like-for-like quote checking

HH contracts can bundle costs differently. We help you compare what’s included (and what’s pass-through) so you can make an informed decision.

Support for complex sites

From manufacturing and warehousing to hospitality groups and offices, we support HH renewals, new connections and multi-site procurement.

Fixed or flexible purchasing

Choose a fixed term for budget certainty, or explore flexible purchasing structures where suitable for your load and governance.

Fast turnaround when renewal matters

HH quotes often require supplier review. We streamline data collection and supplier engagement to keep your renewal on track.

Clear next steps

We explain contract terms, key charges and decision points in plain UK business language—especially helpful if HH is new to you.

How business half-hourly electricity tariff rates are priced in the UK

When people search for “business half-hourly electricity tariff rates UK”, they’re usually looking for a single p/kWh figure. In practice, HH tariffs can be structured in different ways. Your total cost is typically made up of the energy you buy plus a range of network, policy and metering charges.

Key components you may see on HH quotes

Cost element	What it means
Energy unit rate	The wholesale/energy cost element (may be fixed, flexible, or indexed depending on contract).
Standing charge	A daily charge for supplying and servicing the meter/account.
DUoS	Distribution Use of System charges—can vary by time band and local network.
TNUoS	Transmission Network Use of System charges—related to the national grid.
Capacity / availability	Charges linked to agreed capacity and network availability for your site (where applicable).
Metering & data services	Costs for metering, data collection/aggregation and HH settlement services.
VAT & other charges	VAT treatment depends on business circumstances; other charges may apply depending on contract and site.

Note: exact line items and naming vary by supplier and contract route. We’ll help you map components so comparisons are meaningful.

Why your “rate” can change by time of day

For many HH customers, costs aren’t uniform across the day. Network charging structures can incentivise reducing usage during peak periods. Your site’s load profile—the pattern of demand across settlement periods—can strongly influence cost.

Typical pricing drivers for HH sites

Peak demand (kW) and when it occurs
Base load overnight and at weekends
Voltage level and distribution region
Capacity settings and utilisation
Seasonality (e.g. winter heating load, summer cooling)

If you can share a recent bill or MPAN, we can request pricing aligned to your real consumption behaviour rather than broad assumptions.

HH tariff rate myth-busting

Myth: there’s one “best” half-hourly electricity rate for every business.
Reality: the best value depends on your site’s interval usage and contract structure (what’s fixed vs pass-through). Comparing quotes that don’t match on inclusions can be misleading.

HH electricity contract types explained (fixed, flexible & pass-through)

Suppliers may offer different commercial structures for HH metered electricity. The right route depends on your appetite for risk, internal approval processes, and whether you want to manage market movements or prioritise budget certainty.

Fixed (fully bundled)

Often aims to package costs into a single p/kWh and standing charge for a fixed term—helpful for budgeting.

More predictable billing
Less exposure to market movements
Supplier assumptions matter (shape, risk)

Fixed (partially pass-through)

A fixed energy rate with certain non-energy elements passed through at cost (varies by supplier and contract).

Potentially sharper energy pricing
Some bill elements can fluctuate
Requires careful quote comparison

Flexible / managed purchasing

Energy is bought in tranches over time (rather than all at once). Often suited to larger users with governance to manage price risk.

Can reduce timing risk of buying on one day
More moving parts (strategy, reporting)
Not suitable for every business

How we run the comparison

Confirm your meter and site details (MPAN, postcode, contract end date, any multi-site requirements).
Review usage inputs (annual kWh, maximum demand, and where available your HH interval data/profile).
Request supplier pricing across suitable contract structures.
Compare on a like-for-like basis including what is bundled vs passed through.
Support switching with clear next steps, timelines, and handover expectations.

How to reduce half-hourly electricity costs (practical actions)

Because HH billing reflects your interval usage, small operational changes can have a measurable impact. The best actions depend on your processes—production schedules, refrigeration load, EV charging, HVAC control, and opening hours.

Operational changes

Shift flexible loads (where possible) away from peak periods.
Reduce spike events by staggering start-up of high-demand equipment.
Optimise HVAC setpoints and schedules (especially out-of-hours).
Review compressed air leaks and controls (a common hidden base load).
Plan EV charging strategies to avoid costly peaks.

Contract & procurement improvements

Start renewal early to access better supplier appetite and avoid rushed decisions.
Match contract type to your risk tolerance (fixed vs flexible vs pass-through).
Check capacity settings to avoid paying for unused headroom (where applicable).
Clean up site data (MPANs, addresses, billing contacts) to reduce delays and errors.
Compare inclusions so you’re not misled by a headline “cheap” rate that excludes key costs.

If you can share interval data, we can be more precise

Where available, half-hourly data helps suppliers price more accurately and helps you understand which periods drive cost. If you don’t have it to hand, a recent bill and MPAN is often enough to begin.

Common mistakes when comparing UK HH electricity tariff rates

Comparing unlike-for-like quotes

One quote may be fully bundled while another passes through major charges. Always check inclusions and risk allocation.

Waiting too long to renew

HH pricing often needs supplier review. Starting early improves choice and reduces the chance of costly last-minute decisions.

Ignoring the load profile

If your business runs heavy load at peak times, the cheapest “average” rate might not be cheapest for your actual pattern.

If you want a quick sense-check, request quotes and ask us to talk you through: what’s fixed, what’s pass-through, contract length, termination terms, and any site-specific assumptions.

FAQs: business half-hourly electricity tariff rates

Can you show live HH electricity tariff rates online?

HH pricing is usually quote-based because it depends on your site, consumption shape, contract route and supplier credit requirements. We can provide current, supplier-backed quotes once we have your key details.

What businesses typically have half-hourly metering?

HH metering is common for higher-demand sites such as manufacturing, refrigerated storage, larger hospitality venues, leisure centres, data/IT-heavy operations, and multi-site groups. Eligibility often relates to demand and settlement arrangements.

Is a flexible contract always cheaper for HH electricity?

Not always. Flexible purchasing can be beneficial for some larger users, but it requires internal governance and tolerance for price movement. Many businesses prefer fixed terms for predictability. We’ll outline suitable options and explain trade-offs.

Do HH tariffs include DUoS and other charges?

Some are “bundled” (including many charges in the unit rate), while others pass through certain costs at cost. The quote should state what is included. EnergyPlus helps you compare on a consistent basis.

How long does it take to switch an HH electricity contract?

Timelines depend on contract end date, site details and supplier processes. Many renewals can be arranged in line with your current term, but it’s best to start early so suppliers have time to price and process your account.

Do you support sites across the UK?

We support business electricity comparisons across Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). If you have sites in multiple regions, we can manage portfolio details in one request.

Have a question not covered here? Use the quote form and add your query when we call you back.

Ready to compare business HH electricity tariff rates?

Submit your details and we’ll source whole-of-market half-hourly electricity quotes for your business—then walk you through the best-fit options for your site(s).

Get HH quotes now Read HH FAQs

Tip: having an MPAN or recent bill speeds up supplier pricing—especially for complex HH sites.

Quick checklist before you submit

Business postcode for the metered site
Contact details for quotes & follow-up
Any renewal deadline or contract end date
Multi-site? Tell us on the call and we’ll take the list

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Updated on 24 Feb 2026