Preparing consumers and suppliers for Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement

SMS delivers the full infrastructure and support required for Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement – from metering upgrades to data services and analytics. With in-house teams and integrated systems, we make the transition to MHHS straightforward for both suppliers and consumers.

Make an enquiry

 

Professional couple reviewing smart meter

What is Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS)?

Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) is a major energy reform that will require all electricity to be settled using actual half-hourly consumption data by May 2027. By replacing estimated data with real usage, MHHS enables more accurate billing, flexible pricing, and a clearer view of when and how electricity is used.

MHHS affects all industry participants by introducing new data, infrastructure and compliance requirements. For consumers, it opens the door to smarter energy management and cost savings.

What you need to know

Meter display icon
Migration starts October 2025

All metered and unmetered supplies will begin transitioning to half-hourly settlement. The final implementation deadline is May 2027.

A fuel gauge and bill
Changes to energy settlement

Whether you’re a supplier, a commercial energy user or a domestic customer, MHHS changes how your energy usage is measured and settled.

Bar and line chart icon
Prepare now with SMS

Early preparation means smoother rollout, more accurate data, and better results for billing, planning, and carbon reduction.

Successful MHHS delivery depends on coordination across the industry. Our role is to take the weight off suppliers and end-users by providing a seamless, secure service – ensuring the transition is as smooth as possible for everyone involved.

Hayley Cloud, Programme Director at SMS

Key features of our MHHS service

Green Tick icon
Complete MHHS solution in one place

We provide the full infrastructure needed for Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement – from meter upgrades to data services and analytics – all delivered in-house.

Green Tick icon
SmartVision included with every rollout

Our cloud-based platform gives you clear, real-time insight into energy usage, helping you plan tariffs, cut waste, and meet carbon goals.

Green Tick icon
Millions of meters under management

We manage over 7 million smart and advanced meters nationwide – supporting suppliers, commercial estates, and public sector organisations.

Green Tick icon
No third parties, no delays

All systems are built and managed by SMS. That means faster delivery, fewer handovers, and greater control from start to finish.

Green Tick icon
Certified data security

SMS is ISO/IEC 27001 certified across the UK and Ireland, ensuring your energy data is handled securely and in line with global best practice.

Green Tick icon
Three decades of experience

With 30+ years in energy infrastructure, we have the expertise to deliver large-scale MHHS rollouts – on time and with confidence.

Prepare for MHHS

1. Check your meters and supplies

Before MHHS goes live, make sure you know:

  • What type of meters you have across your sites (smart, advanced, traditional, or unmetered)
  • Which supplies need to be upgraded or replaced
  • Who will manage each meter and supply going forward

This helps you avoid delays and unexpected issues when switching to the new system.

 

Contact us for help reviewing your portfolio

2. Protect your data during the transition

When MHHS begins, all meters will be migrated from the current industry systems to the new operating model. Without a clear plan, there is a risk your supplies may not be migrated to your chosen provider – leading to data gaps or missing information. We help you create a re-appointment plan and monitor that everything runs smoothly.

 

Speak to us about protecting your data

3. Choose a delivery partner you can rely on

SMS is one of the only partners qualified to deliver every part of the MHHS infrastructure – from metering to data services. Working with our single, in-house team makes the process simpler, faster, and more cost-effective – today and long after MHHS goes live.

 

Talk to us about partnering for MHHS

Latest MHHS updates

FAQs

MHHS is a regulatory reform that will require all electricity consumption to be settled using actual half-hourly usage data, replacing estimates and outdated profiles.

MHHS applies to the entire electricity market – suppliers, network operators, businesses, and households. If you use or supply electricity, MHHS affects you.

Settlements will be based on real-time data collected every 30 minutes. Billing will be more accurate, you will have access to flexible tariffs and also options for more local energy generation, storage and trading. The data will be available to you through SMS’s web portal and consumer app.

If you’re using a meter that cannot be read remotely, you may need to upgrade to a smart or advanced meter. SMS can advise on what’s required and handle upgrades where needed.

Migration starts in October 2025, with full settlement using half-hourly data required by May 2027.

SMS are industry agents for Metering and Data Services, across all meter types. Managing portfolios from conception to completion, we also provide New Connection services, Smart and AMR Metering, Behind-the-meter services, Data insights and Energy Management.

MHHS introduces a new market role model. During the migration period, the Meter Operator responsibilities will move to the new Metering Services roles (MSS and MSA) and Data Collector responsibilities will shift to the new Data Services roles (SDS and ADS). The Data Aggregator activities will be carried out by Central Services.

Suppliers and businesses gain more accurate data for forecasting, billing, and optimisation. Consumers can access smarter tariffs, track usage in real time, and reduce costs or emissions.

Yes. SMS is one of the only partners delivering metering, data, and analytics services under the MHHS framework – all in-house, nationwide.

You can visit Elexon’s MHHS page or speak to the SMS team for guidance tailored to your role in the energy system.

Industry accredited

We’re certified to all industry standards, codes and practices for the collection and management of energy data, so you know you’re in safe hands with us. View all accreditations.

Speech bubbles icon
Talk to our team about MHHS

Make an Enquiry

MHHS is already underway. Speak to our team to plan your transition, avoid delays, and stay compliant.

Get in touch